Is video game maker Sega in play? From bowing out of the platform business two years ago to last week's announcement of layoffs, the last couple of years have held perpetual retrenchment for the Japanese gaming specialist. Now, two stateside suitors are rumored to be interested in a buyout.
Microsoft
Sega denied the rumors this morning. The company is working on its own growth plan, which involves merging with a pachinko company. However, Sega better not take too long to gauge any potential interest. Vivendi
It's a shame that so few companies appear to be in a buyout state of mind. Industry consolidation at a time when the hardware makers are ready to chop another $50 off their consoles should help grow the installed base of gamers. While Sony's
So, why shouldn't the hardware makers gobble up the software houses? The rivals are cheap, and in some cases, cash rich. The industry shakeout may not be pretty, but at least the public will know which platforms are worth buying.