Amazing post right here!!
To add a bit:
The amount of freedom Platinum would be afforded really could be a sticking point. Again, even potential buyers we might expect to be more hands-off could easily have reasons to put more limitations on Platinum, especially if the current path presents difficulty with finances. I suspect this would be a concern for most possibilities, really, which might impact not only what offers Platinum might accept but also who might be willing to make those offers in the first place.
I used Nintendo as an example of an acquirer that might be good for Platinum, and this does seem oddly like a situation they might go for, but I'm not necessarily expecting Nintendo to scoop them up. It wouldn't be the first time Nintendo passed on a studio it's fans thought was an obvious choice. We don't know what sorts of discussions are taking place in the background, nor what other circumstances might affect proceedings; we're just outsiders trying to peer into a grimy window.
I do think, though, a situation like that might be Platinum's best bet, as far as theoretical acquisitions go. It seems the sort of arrangement that would provide guidance and stability, while allowing a mixture of continuing IP and the new experiments Platinum is seeking.
Which, calling back to Kamiya's project history, from
Resident Evil 2 to
Devil May Cry to
Okami through to
Sol Cresta, there could be a decent range. In context of the full interview, it would make sense that "freedom" refers to the ability to make these varied projects as desired, as this diversifying seems to be a major theme. And this could provide some really interesting results if Platinum is able to pull it off.
And, on that note, a theoretical GaaS direction could possibly be a legitimate interest of some of their developers; however, it does seem to me a bit conveniently tilted toward the popular attempt at creating a continuous income stream. Maybe the cynicism here is just my not caring for GaaS in general.
As noted, Platinum's current state and its desire for this freedom could impact possibilities, as far as acquisitions go, and there could be any number of added details behind the scenes. There are reasons to think a company like Nintendo might be interested, but there is the possibility other factors deter that or they simply don't take interest at all, just as people might assume something like Tencent or Netease might take the bait, but if Platinum isn't making much money that could deter them too.
It's possible nobody acquires Platinum, in which case we hope Platinum manages to pull through regardless. There's no guarantee of that either, but I'm certainly interested in what they might achieve if they do.
