Insert another credit, because it’s time for your weekly video game news and you’ve just hit the Game Overview screen.
In an effort to diversify their holdings, Square Enix submit a peaceful takeover bid for Tecmo, the very troubled developer of many beloved series like Tecmo Bowl, Ninja Gaiden, and Dead or Alive. What did Squeenix get for asking nicely? A big, fat NO.
Turns out Tecmo rather likes being independent, but not as much as they let on at first, despite their building problems with employees and the law. It all started not too long ago with the very public, very ugly departure of Tomonubu Itagaki, basically the brains behind all those classics like DoA and Ninja Gaiden. He claimed he didn’t receive the bonuses promised him for completion of his games. Not too long after the employees of Tecmo began suing for unpaid wages for forced overtime. Things were looking bleak for Tecmo.
Cue Square Enix to show up as the cavalry, if you will. Knowing they need to start doing more than just the standard RPG, they figured that the ailing Tecmo would be a simple and clean (bonus points if you get the reference) acquisition. Little did they know Tecmo would be so fiery and say no. After news came that Tecmo was talking with Koei, Square Enix sent a rather sheepish note asking Tecmo to please tell them why they said no. Tecmo did not respond, Squeenix pulled the takeover offer.
Will Square Enix go for another company now? Keep your browsers pointed here and I’ll let you know.
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