The most popular game of 2022 is being played by publishers themselves racing to snatch up developers like they’re collecting Pokémon. Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, Sony picked up Destiny developer Bungie, and even Zynga joined Take-Two. On August 31, two notable deals joined the growing list. Quantic Dream, the troubled developer led by David Cage, was acquired by NetEase. Sony and Tencent also both bought significant shares in FromSoftware, fresh off its biggest hit ever in Elden Ring. While that may eventually lead to more and more consolidation within the industry, this is a total win for FromSoft in the short term. Here’s why.
