Reputed Microsoft insider says the Japanese studio were being considered for acquisition by Xbox Game Studios last year.

PlatinumGames and Microsoft have had a troubled history together, having begun work on Xbox One exclusive Scalebound earlier in this generation before the game ended up getting cancelled. However, things might have taken an interesting turn for the two entities last year, if recent reports are to be believed.

Recently, noted Microsoft insider Brad Sams took to Twitter and claimed that last year, Microsoft had been looking into purchasing PlatinumGames and adding the studio to Xbox Game Studios’ ever-growing lineup- which would fall in line with Xbox boss Phil Spencer’s multiple statements about wanting to add a first party Japanese or Asian studio to their portfolio.

The deal, however, either “fell apart”, or the two entities decided to go in a different direction. Niko Partners senior analyst Daniel Ahmad corroborated this promptly afterward, suggesting that Platinum had been looking at various options last year as they looked to secure funding for larger projects- which would ultimately lead to them receiving capital investment from Chinese multimedia giant Tencent.

PlatinumGames are currently working on several projects, including Babylon’s Fall for the PS4 and Bayonetta 3 for the Switch, while the studio also has unannounced titles in development. A recent rumour indicates that they might be considering a revival for Wii U exclusive The Wonderful 101 as well.

Pretty sure last year Microsoft was looking to buy them, guess that deal fell apart or they decided to go another direction. — Brad Sams (@bdsams) January 31, 2020