Sega COO Quashes Talk of Microsoft Deal in Favor of Independence

  • ‘Sonic’ and ‘Yakuza’ studio stresses close ties with Microsoft
  • Talk of gaming industry consolidation has grown as costs soar
WATCH: “No, not now.” Sega Co-COO Shuji Utsumi dismisses speculation that the gaming company could be acquired.Source: Bloomberg

Sega Corp. dismissed speculation it may be the target of acquirers including Microsoft Corp., as the studio behind Sonic The Hedgehog stressed it intends to remain part of a bigger Japanese entertainment conglomerate.

Sega, whose 60-year-old name is synonymous with the beginnings of the videogame industry, maintains a close relationship with Xbox-maker Microsoft but will remain within Sega Sammy Holdings Inc., co-Chief Operating Officer Shuji Utsumi told Bloomberg News.