Microsoft hints at more developer acquisitions, post-Bethesda Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Microsoft hints at more developer acquisitions, post-Bethesda "We will always look to grow inorganically where it makes sense." News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 23 Sep 2020 182 comments You might think, after dropping $7.5bn on Bethesda and Zenimax, Microsoft would be done buying games companies for the foreseeable future. Not so, Microsoft boss Satya Nadella has suggested. Developer and publisher acquisitions remain on Microsoft's radar, Nadella told CNET, playing down suggestions from some analysts that the company was done splashing the cash. "We'll always look for places where there is that commonality of purpose, mission and culture," Nadella said. "We will always look to grow inorganically where it makes sense." On the one hand, Nadella is not stating any more acquisition deals are imminent - despite some swirling internet rumours which suggest as much. On the other, he clearly would not use this kind of forum to confirm any impending purchase. Microsoft's big Bethesda buyout was one of few recent Xbox stories not to leak. Sources close to Microsoft I spoke to suggested the deal was kept a closely-guarded secret within the company, with the desired effect that it sent shockwaves through the games industry upon its announcement, 24 hours before Xbox Series S and X pre-orders went live. In the same interview, Nadella said Bethesda and Zenimax would remain semi-independent, to ensure their work is not negatively interrupted by Microsoft's acquisition. "It is about the culture of those teams," he said. "They're not about becoming us." Watch on YouTube With Microsoft on the lookout for more games companies to purchase, the big question, then, is who might be next? Xbox boss Phil Spencer has previously talked of purchasing a Japanese developer to shore up interest for his brand in the region - though as of today, no deals have transpired. Closer to home, Microsoft briefly discussed a potential buyout of Bungie, Eurogamer sources have said - something which now looks dead in the water after Bungie's rather abrupt response. A key part of any future acquisition will likely be its value for increasing the catalogue and upcoming slate of games available via Xbox Game Pass - something Eurogamer editor Oli Welsh wrote about earlier this week. With that in mind, it's interesting to wonder who might fit the bill. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 3 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 10 Latest Articles Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 3 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store