It is no surprise ranking Microsoft to being one of the most prolific companies in the west in regards to the video game industry. An American-made platform that emphasizes it ambitions on its native audience, but also stretches out to other continents like Europe and select parts of Asia which do show prominent growth. However, the firm has not established much footing in Japan where its competitors reside from.
In the past, rumors surfaced suggesting Microsoft would be collaborating with other Japanese-established companies like Sega to help with the marketing for Xbox. But, of course, that never did hold any form upon the system’s release. Outside of the rumor, Bloomberg went on to report that Microsoft is pursuing teams in Japan for potential projects or outright acquisition. Yet again, the claims made were later denounced by Microsoft.
But despite ambitions and other remarks made online, the firm is finally beginning its push into the Japanese market with its most recent purchase of Zenimax Media. A subsidiary of its publisher Bethesda, Tango Gameworks is told to be a “great step” for Microsoft’s aim to establish a presence in Japan.
I’m ready to go to Tokyo. Yeah, I mean go see Tango [Gameworks], a studio that I have such respect for the history of the creations there. I’ve talked for a long time about our desire to have more of a first-party presence in Japan. This is a great step there.
So I mean, just thinking about the map of where these teams are, and they just talk about all the games they’re working on, but I can’t wait to spend more time with the Tango team and get to know them.
Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox
Currently, Tango Gameworks latest concern is aimed towards GhostWire: Tokyo. But unlike its previous entries, the game is set to be a unique release to PlayStation 5 – and Microsoft promises to fulfill the agreement made between Bethesda & Sony Interactive Entertainment predating the acquisition. But, the firm also goes on to comment on its exclusive ambitions as well.
Elsewhere in the Xbox welcoming Bethesda roundtable livestream, the firm also comments on its pursuit now with Bethesda at its side. For the most part, Xbox Game Pass is told to be the main emphasis for the purchase, but some projects are told to be intended to push the platform’s first-party releases as well.
As to what comes after, perhaps Tango Gameworks next game will be with Executive Producer Shinji Mikami at the helm. In a previous interview, Mikami tells he is interested in possibly directing one more game in the future, and that could be one that develops after the acquisition. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you excited for the future of Xbox in Japan?
