Microsoft has a serious problem with exclusive content and first party games. Let’s not mince words here, that is just how it is. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has openly admitted that this is a problem, and that Microsoft will be investing in more studios to ensure a steady stream of content for Xbox.
Now, we might know exactly what those investments may entail. According to a report on Polygon, Microsoft is apparently looking into purchasing EA; other companies Microsoft has looked at include PUBG Corp and Valve, but it looks like EA is the one with whom talks are, for now, actually going somewhere.
Assuming this purchase goes through, there are several questions to ask- would EA retain licenses such as FIFA and NHL, which were presumably sold to the company with the expectation of multiplatform reach? Would Microsoft make those franchises exclusive, if so? Or would they treat them like they do Minecraft?
That’s assuming the purchase ever comes to pass- though, for all we know, that might end up happening. Polygon’s report seems to be pretty positive about it.