Sega isn't looking for a buyout, from Microsoft or anyone else

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But they are honored by Microsoft's attention

Sonic Frontiers
(Image credit: Sega)

Sega has no plans to be acquired, by Microsoft or any other company.

Earlier this week during the Federal Trade Commission's hearings into Microsoft's attempted acquisition of Activision, it was revealed that Microsoft was considering acquiring a slate of developers, including Sega. Now, Sega co-chief operating officer Shuji Utsumi has shot down any speculation that Sega is up for sale. 

"Well, we feel honored," Utsumi said in the Bloomberg interview above when asked about a potential acquisition by Microsoft. "I mean, they see the value as a lot. So, you know, we still work closely with Microsoft. They always show, you know, respect," Utsumi added.

"So we being, you know, having a good relationship with them and really appreciate that they, you know, somehow value us," Utsumi continued. When asked straight whether Sega had any intention to be acquired though, the co-COO had far less words for the topic, simply saying "no."

That puts an end to that speculation. It's true that Microsoft has been working very closely with Sega over the past few years - look no further than the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, which Sega publishes, coming to Xbox Series X/S as a new-gen title before it actually got a PS5 port, which would've been unthinkable as little as four years ago.

From the sounds of Utsumi's comments, it seems like Sega enjoys working with Microsoft, but definitely plans to remain independent of the massive Western corporation.

Sonic Superstars is the next mainline game in one of Sega's most recognizable franchises, and you can read our Sonic Superstars preview to see what we made of the game when we played it for ourselves. 

Hirun Cryer
Hirun Cryer
Freelance Writer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.