The battle between Microsoft and the FTC rolls onwards like a rusty old truck, with juicy little titbits of information bouncing out of the rear for us to gather up like strange squirrels. I don’t know where I’m going with this analogy.

Today’s titbit provides a glimpse into which companies Microsoft were looking at with a possible acquisition in mind. The Verge spotted the internal documents and Emails which detailed Microsoft’s potential plans. In the Email, written by Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox requests Strategy Approval to approach Sega regarding purchasing their gaming assets.

“We believe that Sega has built a well-balanced portfolio of games across segments with global geographic appeal, and will help us accelerate Xbox Game Pass both on and off-console,” wrote Spencer.

Thus far neither Microsoft or Sega have confirmed if any contact was made or if any negotiations began. It has been believed for several years that Microsoft have been attempting to romance Sega, but this is solid evidence that the speculation was true.

The bottom of the Email also provides a little insight into Microsoft’s various priorities. Their goal was to focus on PC in North America and Europe, mobile in North American and Europe, and console and PC in APAC. According to the Email, Sega was a prime target for acquisition “due to its global PC catalog, presence on mobile in Asia, and global brand affinity on console through its classic IP.”

The Verge also reported that Spencer’s pitch heavily pushed Sega as being able to boost Game Pass, especially in Asian markets.

Microsoft’s list of other companies to potentially approach included the likes of Supergiant, the creators of the exceptional Hades, IO Interactive, best known for the Hitman games, and Bungie, who are now owned by Sony and were once owned by Microsoft.

While these are certainly intriguing glimpses into the inner-workings of Microsoft’s gaming division, it should be noted that it’s quite normal for companies to have lists like this. They are constantly scouting for potential assets to buy and even for buyers for themselves even when they don’t intend on doing either. Although various companies are on their list, it doesn’t mean Microsoft is serious about buying them unless some sort of exceptional deal is being offered.