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[Darsxx82]

I think they are drawing a pattern of double speak from Microsoft in regards to their intentions with buying major IP

If at the time of drawing patterns, he goes to studios like Inexile, Ninja Theory, Obsidian and Zenimax making exclusive games for Xbox...

It really doesn't make sense and it's just another (of many) signs of ignorance of the reality of the market....

I don't know what double language has been used or should MS use with the IPS of the Studios that it acquires. They could add Minecraft also then to draw those same patterns

 

[PaintTinJr]

Yes it is just ONE title but no when it's THE title. Nearly half of the console owners play COD. It is an online title so their PS+ subs rely upon it. It brings to their eco system THE casual gamer that will then spend hundreds of dollars every generation. You remove CoD and they lose 30% of their playbase immediately, but that doesnt just affect console sales which are not profitable. It affects PS+ subs and third party sales which has a compound effect on first party sales and Sonys ability to produce AAA first party titles. Sony turns into Nintendo.

This is something I pointed out earlier this year and no one thought CoD alone could kill Sony, but lack of CoD will kill Sony as we know it today. The publisher that spends hundreds of millions on first party games is simply not going to have a playerbase to justify budgets like that and they will have to either become Nintendo and produce low quality hardware with fewer AAA exclusives than ever or simply turn third party like Sega.

I think the deal is going to go through and it should go through, but its asinine of MS to suggest that Sony's entire business model wont change by losing 30-50% of their userbase.

I agree with most of this, but I don't believe the CMA will set us down this industry damaging path, and I think the deal should be blocked, and maybe hindsight the Bethesda deal was too big too, or right at the limit.

If the deal is blocked it will encourage big companies like ACTIVI to stay smaller if looking to be acquired or grow to be big and lean with just assets they can use - selling off IPs that they aren't being used - or become a competing platform. Publishers staying smaller will avoid the ACTIVI, EA, UBISOFT types that we all hate, and revive more of the mid size publishers and maybe see dead franchises sold off to little devs and new games from the franchises made.

With the sheer size of the Googles, Facebooks, Amazon and MSFT, etc that can buy almost anyone else and dwarf even sizeable multi-nationals like Sony ten to one, an under $10b cap on publisher acquisitions would help the market and competition IMO.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

 

[anthony2690]

Major IP like games from Ninja Theory, InXile and Obsidian? Including games unannounced at time of purchase?

They even cite Bleeding Edge as an example. And you’re claiming that’s a ‘pattern’.

Microsoft has brought Minecraft and hellblade to switch as well, after acquiring the studios and owning the ips.

 

[DForce]

The people who are saying it's not a monopoly are the same people who want Microsoft to acquire every single publisher out there.

You guys need to be honest. lol. You guys want to make this deal happen because it makes Sony weaker and Microsoft stronger, and that's why Xbox fans still want MS to acquire more publishers.

 

[Hero of Spielberg]

The people who are saying it's not a monopoly are the same people who want Microsoft to acquire every single publisher out there.

You guys need to be honest. lol. You guys want to make this deal happen because it makes Sony weaker and Microsoft stronger, and that's why Xbox fans still want MS to acquire more publishers.

How would it be a monopoly? I’ve been assured by many on this forum that Sony’s first party titles are unsurpassed and that makes them the rightful number one in gaming? Microsoft buying a few lesser games shouldn’t worry the mighty Sony. Wave the deal through, Sony have nothing to fear.

 

[twilo99]

from twitter: this is wild

The memse are writing themselves at this point.

 

[DarkMage619]

The people who are saying it's not a monopoly are the same people who want Microsoft to acquire every single publisher out there.

You guys need to be honest. lol. You guys want to make this deal happen because it makes Sony weaker and Microsoft stronger, and that's why Xbox fans still want MS to acquire more publishers.

If a stronger MS means no console or game price increases I'd wager it would be great for the industry to have the market share change hands. It's the essence of competition after and it's the lack of that competition that has these price increases being accepted in the first place.

 

[twilo99]

What true colors are you talking about? Just now realizing Sony and Microsoft are competitors?

They seem to be crying about what another company can and can't do with their own money... I'm just surprised because I've never seen them act like that.

 

[twilo99]

I've said this exactly this before: Call of Duty drives platform adoption for Sony for exactly these reasons. Sony must be terrified.

I had no idea about how important CoD was for them, I learned that from this very thread.

Most people have no idea...

 

[Topher]

They seem to be crying about what another company can and can't do with their own money... I'm just surprised because I've never seen them act like that.

Probably because they feel threatened now unlike they ever have. None of this should be a surprise really. If it were the other way around Microsoft would be the one crying.

 

[nikolino840]

All cod diablo crash for 1$ and some are against...idk

 

[SlimySnake]

I agree with most of this, but I don't believe the CMA will set us down this industry damaging path, and I think the deal should be blocked, and maybe hindsight the Bethesda deal was too big too, or right at the limit.

If the deal is blocked it will encourage big companies like ACTIVI to stay smaller if looking to be acquired or grow to be big and lean with just assets they can use - selling off IPs that they aren't being used - or become a competing platform. Publishers staying smaller will avoid the ACTIVI, EA, UBISOFT types that we all hate, and revive more of the mid size publishers and maybe see dead franchises sold off to little devs and new games from the franchises made.

With the sheer size of the Googles, Facebooks, Amazon and MSFT, etc that can buy almost anyone else and dwarf even sizeable multi-nationals like Sony ten to one, an under $10b cap on publisher acquisitions would help the market and competition IMO.

I think the deal will hurt the industry but only because Sony is too small to compete with Microsoft and frankly never stood a chance. they are a small player that should probably spin off their gaming division and sell to Apple because right now they can’t compete with Microsoft. If Ms can’t buy big publishers they will go for smaller pubs like square enix, Ubisoft, and capcom. All are under $10 billion.

What happens then? Instead of losing one game, Sony loses 15. All resident evil games, street fighter, final fantasy, ass creed, far cry, and whatever trash Ubisoft is making. That isn’t good for PlayStation gamers either.

I don’t like the deal because i hate Microsofts approach to gaming but i just don’t see how it gets blocked in a capitalist system. Its a free market. They have the money, they should be able to buy it. If apple enters and buys Activision they would be allowed to. For that reason, so should Microsoft.

Lastly, Sony has no one but themselves to blame. They spent millions over the last ten years moneyhattimg third party exclusives, cod dlc, modern warfare reboot exclusivity, fucking guns in destiny. Why is final fantasy even exclusive? Its a third party game available on PC. Why block Xbox? Its chicken coming home to roost for Sony and i for one wont shed a tear for a company that paid to keep content off of another console. I love Sony when they give small studios like housemarque a big budget to go to the next level but deathloop and ghostwrite tokyo were made by a massive publisher that was eventually sold for $8 billion. They didn’t need the money.

I agree that The deal will probably hurt the industry but thats because Microsoft sucks making video games. A future where ms is the only big player alive will probably suck. They make all the wrong choices but it’s not like Sony wasn’t following them with cross gen, GaaS, cloud and subscription trends. Doesnt matter If is Microsoft or Sony or Apple or nvidia running the show, the good old days of video games pushing boundaries instead of mtx are long gone.

 

[adamsapple]

They seem to be crying about what another company can and can't do with their own money... I'm just surprised because I've never seen them act like that.

I don't think MS would or should buy 'the entire gaming industry' as some are saying so hyperbolically, and at least a few regulatory authorities have already approved this citing that there's no real concern of this effecting competition.

But this won't end without kicking and screaming from both parties.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

It would be interesting to see the same kind of charts form the Brazilian papers but applied to USA and UK/EU.

At the end of the day, those are the stronger arguments.

 

[DForce]

How would it be a monopoly? I’ve been assured by many on this forum that Sony’s first party titles are unsurpassed and that makes them the rightful number one in gaming? Microsoft buying a few lesser games shouldn’t worry the mighty Sony. Wave the deal through, Sony have nothing to fear.

Microsoft going out acquiring Activision and more publishers wouldn't be a monopoly?

If you guys want to be taken seriously, then you should start being honest with yourselves.

If a stronger MS means no console or game price increases I'd wager it would be great for the industry to have the market share change hands. It's the essence of competition after and it's the lack of that competition that has these price increases being accepted in the first place.

What's great for the industry is keeping the game multiplat, not taking a game from a user base over 100 million.

 

[Hero of Spielberg]

Microsoft going out acquiring Activision and more publishers wouldn't be a monopoly?

If you guys want to be taken seriously, then you should start being honest with yourselves.

What's great for the industry is keeping the game multiplat, not taking a game from a user base over 100 million.

No, it doesn't make it a monopoly. Exclusivity to a few ganmes isn't the same as having a monopoly of the industry.

If they bought Sony and Nintendo then we'd be talking monopoly.

The ActiBliz purchase probably wouldn't even give them number 1 market share.

The industry is not COD.

 

[adamsapple]

What's great for the industry is keeping the game multiplat, not taking a game from a user base over 100 million.

Good thing that isn't happening here then.

Microsoft chief promises Call of Duty will be on PlayStation for “several more years” - Dexerto

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed he signed a letter in January, keeping Call of Duty on Playstation for “several more years.”

www.dexerto.com

 

[DForce]

Good thing that isn't happening here then.

Microsoft chief promises Call of Duty will be on PlayStation for “several more years” - Dexerto

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed he signed a letter in January, keeping Call of Duty on Playstation for “several more years.”

www.dexerto.com

Literally says for several more years. That only proves my point. They're eventually going to take it away.

 

[adamsapple]

Literally says for several more years. That only proves my point. They're eventually going to take it away.

Minecraft has been on PS platforms for *years* now. It's up to Sony and MS to come to similar agreements if they want to keep CoD, which would then be a first party IP, as multi-plat.

 

[DForce]

No, it doesn't make it a monopoly. Exclusivity to a few ganmes isn't the same as having a monopoly of the industry.

If they bought Sony and Nintendo then we'd be talking monopoly.

The ActiBliz purchase probably wouldn't even give them number 1 market share.

The industry is not COD.

Read what I said.

The people who are saying it's not a monopoly are the same people who want Microsoft to acquire every single publisher out there.

Translation: This means Xbox gamers want to be because they want to see Microsoft acquire more major publishers.

 

[DForce]

Minecraft has been on PS platforms for *years* now. It's up to Sony and MS to come to similar agreements if they want to keep CoD, which would then be a first party IP, as multi-plat.

They wouldn't use "for several more years." They will ALWAYS say it will remain on PlayStation forever.

The statements have been obvious, but for some reason you guys just want to spin it as much as possible.

 

[Hero of Spielberg]

Read what I said.

Which part? None of it makes sense.

 

[twilo99]

Probably because they feel threatened now unlike they ever have. None of this should be a surprise really. If it were the other way around Microsoft would be the one crying.

I guess you are right, its a tough position to be in.

 

[DForce]

Which part? None of it makes sense.

Looks like you didn't even read the post again. I made my point very clear.

 

[Hero of Spielberg]

Looks like you didn't even read the post again. I made my point very clear.

The part where you demonstrated you don't understand the meaning of the word monopoly? Make it clearer.

 

[twilo99]

I don't think MS would or should buy 'the entire gaming industry' as some are saying so hyperbolically, and at least a few regulatory authorities have already approved this citing that there's no real concern of this effecting competition.

But this won't end without kicking and screaming from both parties.

I still think Sony will get it blocked or hindered heavily. We shall see.

 

[adamsapple]

They wouldn't use "for several more years." They will ALWAYS say it will remain on PlayStation forever.

The statements have been obvious, but for some reason you guys just want to spin it as much as possible.

There's no spin, if the acquisition deal competes it's entirely within MS's purview to keep it on or off of whichever platforms they want.

They've, however, said they plan to keep it on PS for years. An unprecedented move from any gaming company.

I still think Sony will get it blocked or hindered heavily. We shall see.

If CoD is the linchpin they can keep it multiplat forever for all I care. Most Xbox gamers are probably happy with all that content coming to game pass day 1, and don't care if it lands on other platforms.

 

[DForce]

The part where you demonstrated you don't understand the meaning of the word monopoly? Make it clearer.

I understand what it means. You're demonstrating poor reading comprehension skills.

 

[DForce]

There's no spin, if the acquisition deal competes it's entirely within MS's purview to keep it on or off of whichever platforms they want.

They've, however, said they plan to keep it on PS for years. An unprecedented move from any gaming company.

You don't use the term "for years" you just say you have no intention to remove the game from PlayStation.

Stating "Years" or "several years" clearly means it's not a long term. Even Jim Ryan said they offered a few more years after their current contract.

I don't know why you're trying to lie about something most people already know.

 

[twilo99]

The people who are saying it's not a monopoly are the same people who want Microsoft to acquire every single publisher out there.

You guys need to be honest. lol. You guys want to make this deal happen because it makes Sony weaker and Microsoft stronger, and that's why Xbox fans still want MS to acquire more publishers.

And you don't want it to happen because you can't say "xbox has no games" anymore?

 

[Hero of Spielberg]

I understand what it means. You're demonstrating poor reading comprehension skills.

Then explain how this acquisition (or even others for that matter) would result in a monopoly if Sony and Nintendo maintain first-party development and their own exclusives?

 

[adamsapple]

You don't use the term "for years" you just say you have no intention to remove the game from PlayStation.

Stating "Years" or "several years" clearly means it's not a long term. Even Jim Ryan said they offered a few more years after their current contract.

I don't know why you're trying to lie about something most people already know.

Lie ? why are you being so dramatic lol.

Deals can always be made and/or extended.

MS could have taken Minecraft off of PS if they wanted to be petty about it like you seem to want them to be.

 

[Deleted member 471617]

The people who are saying it's not a monopoly are the same people who want Microsoft to acquire every single publisher out there.

You guys need to be honest. lol. You guys want to make this deal happen because it makes Sony weaker and Microsoft stronger, and that's why Xbox fans still want MS to acquire more publishers.

Personally, I want Microsoft to acquire more publishers and studios because I get the games day one on Game Pass for a $10 monthly rental instead of having to buy them for $60+. If Sony did the same thing, then they can acquire publishers too but since they don't, there's no real benefit to me as a consumer or as a gamer so I go with Microsoft.

 

[ReBurn]

The difference is that Sony has no control over Destiny remaining multi-platform while Microsoft could make Call of Duty console-exclusive whenever it desires.

You don't seriously believe that after paying them four billion United States dollars that Sony really has no control over Bungie game exclusivity, do you?

 

[DForce]

Then explain how this acquisition (or even others for that matter) would result in a monopoly if Sony and Nintendo maintain first-party development and their own exclusives?

You're still not getting it.

I'm not talking about what is or isn't a monopoly, I'm telling you what Xbox fans WANT Microsoft to do, and that's to acquire EVERY SINGLE PUBLISHER out there. The reason why I made this comment is that Xbox fans are pretending is not going to hurt gamers when in reality they want Microsoft to remove the competition from the gaming market.

If you keep trying to prove "it's not a monopoly" then you're not getting the point of my comment because it's about what Xbox fans WANT Microsoft to do.

 

[DForce]

And you don't want it to happen because you can't say "xbox has no games" anymore?

I never said Xbox has no games. It's funny that Xbox fans don't like PS fans saying "Xbox has no games" when they were saying "PS4 has no games" at the beginning of the last generation.

Xbox fans have to blame themselves for this one.

 

[Hero of Spielberg]

You're still not getting it.

I'm not talking about what is or isn't a monopoly, I'm telling you what Xbox fans WANT Microsoft to do, and that's to acquire EVERY SINGLE PUBLISHER out there. The reason why I made this comment is that Xbox fans are pretending is not going to hurt gamers when in reality they want Microsoft to remove the competition from the gaming market.

If you keep trying to prove "it's not a monopoly" then you're not getting the point of my comment because it's about what Xbox fans WANT Microsoft to do.

Haha. Oh, my apologies. I hadn't realised the thread had drifted into the world of imagination about what MS and their fans want.

 

[IFireflyl]

You don't seriously believe that after paying them four billion United States dollars that Sony really has no control over Bungie game exclusivity, do you?

I do because that was an acquisition requirement from Bungie. Also, this was stated by Bungie:

Bungie.net

www.bungie.net

FAQ:​

Q. As a Destiny 2 player, does Bungie becoming part of PlayStation have any immediate impact on how I play and experience Destiny 2?
No. Our commitment to Destiny 2 as a multi-platform game with full Cross Play remains unchanged.
We want you to play The Witch Queen on February 22, 2022, on the platform of YOUR choice.

Q. Will the Destiny 2 experience on non-PlayStation platforms be impacted by Bungie becoming part of PlayStation?
No. We want to maintain the same great experience you already have on your platform of choice.

Q. Will any announced seasons, events, packs, or expansions be changed or impacted by Bungie becoming part of PlayStation?
No. Bungie retains full creative independence for our games and our community. Our plans for the Light and Dark Saga are unchanged, all the way through The Final Shape in 2024.

Q. Will Destiny 2: The Witch Queen include any platform exclusives?
No. The Witch Queen will not contain any platform exclusives. Every player should have an amazing Destiny experience, no matter where you choose to play

Q. Will cross platform features, like Cross Save, Cross Play, the Destiny 2 Companion App, or third-party apps like Destiny Item Manager (DIM) be changed or removed?
No. Bungie’s commitment to cross-platform play and social features remains unchanged. We believe games are best shared with friends, wherever they choose to play, and will continue to invest in new features and platforms.

Q. Bungie has future games in development, will they now become PlayStation exclusives?
No. We want the worlds we are creating to extend to anywhere people play games. We will continue to be self-published, creatively independent, and we will continue to drive one, unified Bungie community.

Q. I play Destiny on Steam, Xbox, or Stadia – will my platform still be supported?
Yes.

 

[DForce]

Lie ? why are you being so dramatic lol.

Deals can always be made and/or extended.

MS could have taken Minecraft off of PS if they wanted to be petty about it like you seem to want them to be.

Is everyone saying it will not leave PlayStation and it will remain on PlayStation or not?

 

[DForce]

Haha. Oh, my apologies. I hadn't realised the thread had drifted into the world of imagination about what MS and their fans want.

There's no imagination when Xbox fans are making it clear they want MS to acquire the likes of EA, Take-2, Capcom etc.

 

[adamsapple]

Is everyone saying it will not leave PlayStation and it will remain on PlayStation or not?

what ?

There's no imagination when Xbox fans are making it clear they want MS to acquire the likes of EA, Take-2, Capcom etc.

where did "xbox fans" say this unanimously ? And is it said more or less than folks asking Sony to buy Square Enix, From Soft etc ?

I do because that was an acquisition requirement from Bungie. Also, this was stated by Bungie:

Bungie.net

www.bungie.net

The only certainty from that is that "destiny" will continue to be supported on existing platforms it's already out on. But that's akin to saying that Bethesda are still going to support their ongoing games like Fallout 76 on all the platforms it's already out on.

It's good for continued support of something already out but makes no guarantees about future projects.

 

[Hero of Spielberg]

There's no imagination when Xbox fans are making it clear they want MS to acquire the likes of EA, Take-2, Capcom etc.

Even if some people did want that, who gives a shit? It's not going to happen. And even if it did, it still wouldn't be a true Monopoly. So rest easy.

 

[DForce]

what ?

Did Jim Ryan say Microsoft offered them a few more years after their contract or not?

where did "xbox fans" say this unanimously ? And is it said more or less than folks asking Sony to buy Square Enix, From Soft etc ?

This is mere goalpost moving.

 

[DForce]

Even if some people did want that, who gives a shit? It's not going to happen. And even if it did, it still wouldn't be a true Monopoly. So rest easy.

I never said it will happen. I'm just laughing at the comments. Seems like people are triggered by my comment, so I would suggest you take it easy because I'm talking about those who specifically want MS to acquire every single publisher.

 

[adamsapple]

This is mere goalpost moving.

No, you've made repeated posts about "xbox fans" this "xbox fans" that.

If you have such solid conviction about it, post where "xbox fans" said what you claim they said.

Clearly you're very worked up about "xbox fans". I'm sure you have the appropriate quotes/links to back it up.

Not so. Look at the second-to-last quote:

They don't specify platforms in that though, and Bungie is now moving into the mobile gaming territory with their next game being a NetEase mobile game.

For all we know, simultaneous PC/Mobile/PS5 constitutes as 'Multi platform' in their statements.

 

[IFireflyl]

The only certainty from that is that "destiny" will continue to be supported on existing platforms it's already out on. But that's akin to saying that Bethesda are still going to support their ongoing games like Fallout 76 on all the platforms it's already out on.

Not so. Look at the second-to-last quote:

Q. Bungie has future games in development, will they now become PlayStation exclusives?
No. We want the worlds we are creating to extend to anywhere people play games. We will continue to be self-published, creatively independent, and we will continue to drive one, unified Bungie community.

That's as clear as they can make it. Bungie had all of the strength in this negotiation. The acquisition helps other Sony-owned developers/studios by sharing Bungie's understanding of live-service content with them. And Sony will still make money off of micro-transactions. Sony didn't need to put Bungie under their thumb, and they couldn't have done that if they had tried. Bungie didn't need Sony, and they wouldn't have taken the deal if Sony had tried to act like Microsoft did back in the early 2000s.

 

[Hero of Spielberg]

I never said it will happen. I'm just laughing at the comments. Seems like people are triggered by my comment, so I would suggest you take it easy because I'm talking about those who specifically want MS to acquire every single publisher.

Doesn't seem like you're laughing, you seem genuinely concerned by it. Try not to let what you imagine others to want affect you so much.

 

[nikolino840]

I think the deal will hurt the industry but only because Sony is too small to compete with Microsoft and frankly never stood a chance. they are a small player that should probably spin off their gaming division and sell to Apple because right now they can’t compete with Microsoft. If Ms can’t buy big publishers they will go for smaller pubs like square enix, Ubisoft, and capcom. All are under $10 billion.

What happens then? Instead of losing one game, Sony loses 15. All resident evil games, street fighter, final fantasy, ass creed, far cry, and whatever trash Ubisoft is making. That isn’t good for PlayStation gamers either.

I don’t like the deal because i hate Microsofts approach to gaming but i just don’t see how it gets blocked in a capitalist system. Its a free market. They have the money, they should be able to buy it. If apple enters and buys Activision they would be allowed to. For that reason, so should Microsoft.

Lastly, Sony has no one but themselves to blame. They spent millions over the last ten years moneyhattimg third party exclusives, cod dlc, modern warfare reboot exclusivity, fucking guns in destiny. Why is final fantasy even exclusive? Its a third party game available on PC. Why block Xbox? Its chicken coming home to roost for Sony and i for one wont shed a tear for a company that paid to keep content off of another console. I love Sony when they give small studios like housemarque a big budget to go to the next level but deathloop and ghostwrite tokyo were made by a massive publisher that was eventually sold for $8 billion. They didn’t need the money.

I agree that The deal will probably hurt the industry but thats because Microsoft sucks making video games. A future where ms is the only big player alive will probably suck. They make all the wrong choices but it’s not like Sony wasn’t following them with cross gen, GaaS, cloud and subscription trends. Doesnt matter If is Microsoft or Sony or Apple or nvidia running the show, the good old days of video games pushing boundaries instead of mtx are long gone.

Sony Was small also in the mattrick era....

 

[DForce]

No, you've made repeated posts about "xbox fans" this "xbox fans" that.

If you have such solid conviction about it, post where "xbox fans" said what you claim they said.

Clearly you're very worked up about "xbox fans". I'm sure you have the appropriate quotes/links to back it up.

I was talking about those who wanted MS to acquire every publisher out there.

That doesn't mean every Xbox fan.

I don't know why I have to make this clear, but it's evident that people are upset at my comment.