There are rumblings to this effect from an assistant editor at GamePro. Microsoft seems to have made a couple billion bucks from the Halo franchise after snapping up Bungie all those years ago, and with the success of Gears of War and the promise of a sequel, it seems like it would be an excellent move. This Travis Moses guy thinks that MS will make a move this summer to the tune of a billion dollars.
Well, they’ll probably make that back on GoW 2 and all the games that will license the Unreal engine and its next iteration, but it’s probably worth it just to own the guys who made One Must Fall: 2097 and Epic Pinball (with the original Android).
Could Microsoft Acquire Epic Games? GamePro Editor Thinks So [WRAL Local Tech Wire]
Just wanted to point out that OMF: 2097 was PUBLISHED by Epic MegaGames, not developed by them. It was made by Diversions Entertainment.
http://www.omf.com
Unfortunately, no-one has heard anything from them for a few years, so I don’t know if they are still in business.
I think more competition is good for the industry….not necessarily mergers and buyouts. Being a gamer gives you an appreciate for small start up game makers when they produce something truly great and obtain credibility…I think larger companies are losing it cause they are focusing on $$.