[1] https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-07-03-sony-acqui...
https://news.microsoft.com/2019/05/16/sony-and-microsoft-to-...
At the time Microsoft where not throwing so much money at games development an IP ownership. I wonder how Sony feel about this now.
Sony, perhaps. But I do think the cloud platform is a critical piece, because it is a huge source of value capture (e.g., all CoD compute on Azure is no small deal). It also allows significantly more dominance in distribution via cloud gaming - and coincidentally, Microsoft has been much more aggressive about owning distribution with Xbox Game Pass. This is all on top of the fact that Microsoft influences the PC and console markets, not just the console market.
Think candy crush and loot boxes vs fun single player mario games
Or do they have an "absurd array of reliable IPs" because they operate differently?
ie Pikachu has already sold a lunchbox by the time you have explained what the space marine guy is about.
This all seems really simple-minded but having identifiable brands are incredible business. I definitely see MS and Sony trying to Mario-ify their characters. Aloy/Horizon Zero Dawn is a good candidate for this.
