Microsoft / Activision Deal Approval Watch |OT| (MS/ABK close)

Do you believe the deal will be approved?


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phil_t98

#SonyToo
One area that the CMA didn't mention in the phase 1 decision was the way in which Microsoft OS users regularly get forced to change Windows versions because of DirectX's first-class citizen API status - compared to OpenGL/Vulkan.

Now when we factor in Windows 11's vague security needs of TPM2.0/PTT/fTMP, that linux doesn't need, and then look at how Valorant(by Riot Games) is Windows only and can't be run on a Steam Deck without a Windows license. You have to wonder, if post-acquisition Microsoft would make CoD Windows 11 only on PC too, thereby using it to drive through sales for its OS and OEM hardware partners like HP/Lenovo/Dell - benefitting Intel mostly in their established duopoly of WinTel. further damaging competition with Apple computers, and AMD's competition in the CPU space with Intel.

Here's a quote from a 2007 interview on shacknews with Alex St John DirectX manager(?) from his time at Microsoft.

" I came in to do my presentation, and I got about three slides into it before I was interrupted by one of the executives saying, "This is all great stuff, you have a perfect plan. Developers who are reasonable should all support it, but what do you do if none of this works." "What do you mean?" "What if in spite of your best efforts, your best arguments, you best relationships, you can't get them to support them. How do you force the industry to support Microsoft anyway?" "Force them? Well, I don't know." "Come back when you have a plan that answers that question."

That perplexed me for a long time. I'm thinking, "What the hell does he mean, force them? I can't hold a gun to their head, so how do I put all these companies in a position where, regardless of what they see is in their best interest, they have to adopt your technology?" That experience had a major impact on my thinking. I realized that a major part of my job was to figure out how to use technology control to create economic force, or leverage, such that money and business flowed in Microsoft's direction, and people had to go [to them]. That, ultimately, is when I became a "Microsoft guy," when I got that concept."

Is the latest Call of duty on mac?
 

Ezekiel_

Banned
if I were you I would stick to laughing emoji's because that's complete nonsense.

high quality GIF


We've seen with Bungie that, post-acquisition, they will remain independently operated and be able to release its future new games and IPs multiplatform as well.

So maybe it's up to Mojang if they make new games available for PlayStation and not Microsoft.
 

Ezekiel_

Banned
One area that the CMA didn't mention in the phase 1 decision was the way in which Microsoft OS users regularly get forced to change Windows versions because of DirectX's first-class citizen API status - compared to OpenGL/Vulkan.

Now when we factor in Windows 11's vague security needs of TPM2.0/PTT/fTMP, that linux doesn't need, and then look at how Valorant(by Riot Games) is Windows only and can't be run on a Steam Deck without a Windows license. You have to wonder, if post-acquisition Microsoft would make CoD Windows 11 only on PC too, thereby using it to drive through sales for its OS and OEM hardware partners like HP/Lenovo/Dell - benefitting Intel mostly in their established duopoly of WinTel. further damaging competition with Apple computers, and AMD's competition in the CPU space with Intel.

Here's a quote from a 2007 interview on shacknews with Alex St John DirectX manager(?) from his time at Microsoft.

" I came in to do my presentation, and I got about three slides into it before I was interrupted by one of the executives saying, "This is all great stuff, you have a perfect plan. Developers who are reasonable should all support it, but what do you do if none of this works." "What do you mean?" "What if in spite of your best efforts, your best arguments, you best relationships, you can't get them to support them. How do you force the industry to support Microsoft anyway?" "Force them? Well, I don't know." "Come back when you have a plan that answers that question."

That perplexed me for a long time. I'm thinking, "What the hell does he mean, force them? I can't hold a gun to their head, so how do I put all these companies in a position where, regardless of what they see is in their best interest, they have to adopt your technology?" That experience had a major impact on my thinking. I realized that a major part of my job was to figure out how to use technology control to create economic force, or leverage, such that money and business flowed in Microsoft's direction, and people had to go [to them]. That, ultimately, is when I became a "Microsoft guy," when I got that concept."
That'd be a nice email for the CMA
 

feynoob

Banned
Now when we factor in Windows 11's vague security needs of TPM2.0/PTT/fTMP, that linux doesn't need, and then look at how Valorant(by Riot Games) is Windows only and can't be run on a Steam Deck without a Windows license. You have to wonder, if post-acquisition Microsoft would make CoD Windows 11 only on PC too, thereby using it to drive through sales for its OS and OEM hardware partners like HP/Lenovo/Dell - benefitting Intel mostly in their established duopoly of WinTel. further damaging competition with Apple computers, and AMD's competition in the CPU space with Intel.
Piece of advice.
Put your phone down.

What you typed there has no meaning on Activision deal.

CmA argument is only between Sony and MS. Whether the game would hurt the console or not.
 

PaintTinJr

Member
Piece of advice.
Put your phone down.

What you typed there has no meaning on Activision deal.

CmA argument is only between Sony and MS. Whether the game would hurt the console or not.
Someone clearly hasn't read the full text of the CMA's phase 1 decision it would seem.

The TOH could even include scope for how Windows OS (via DirectX) marginalises OpenGL/Vulkan (Desktop) further in post-acquisition, impacting those API book sales in the UK. Acquisitions harm competition, but at this $70b level the scope could be massive.
 

PaintTinJr

Member
Is the latest Call of duty on mac?
Ask a different question. Pre and Post acquisition could Apple realistically incentivize ABK to release it on Mac as a native app, with best in class performance? - obviously a rhetorical question, because currently ABK could take the money in 2-3years from Apple, post-acquisition that's never going to happen, and we both know it, hence the weakening of competition.
 

ReBurn

Gold Member
high quality GIF


We've seen with Bungie that, post-acquisition, they will remain independently operated and be able to release its future new games and IPs multiplatform as well.

So maybe it's up to Mojang if they make new games available for PlayStation and not Microsoft.
We've actually seen nothing of the sort, seeing as Bungie has released zero new games post acquisition. I guess it's great that Sony gave Bungie all of that money out of pure kindness so they could remain independent with no strings attached.
 

feynoob

Banned
Someone clearly hasn't read the full text of the CMA's phase 1 decision it would seem.

The TOH could even include scope for how Windows OS (via DirectX) marginalises OpenGL/Vulkan (Desktop) further in post-acquisition, impacting those API book sales in the UK. Acquisitions harm competition, but at this $70b level the scope could be massive.
That argument is load of crap, considering the position of windows. Even without acquisition, that could still happen.

The fact CMA is thinking Activision purchase would make that kind of impact is weird.

There are more publishers that develop games for windows. What stops those publishers from doing the same thing?
 
They’re not going to pull WarZone from PlayStation, and the newest mainline entries are always integrated heavily into WarZone. I don’t see them pulling the games from PlayStation. The most they’ll do is put them in GamePass with some perks like a free battle pass and some skins, stuff they already do with other GamePass games. Their entire philosophy since Papa Phil took over has shifted from prioritizing Xbox sales to prioritizing engagement and as many revenue streams as possible.
 

feynoob

Banned
Their entire philosophy since Papa Phil took over has shifted from prioritizing Xbox sales to prioritizing engagement and as many revenue streams as possible.
Longer term revenue guarantees solid income, without worrying about game sales.
Solid tactic, if you have enough content. Especially, when games are expensive to make.
 

IFireflyl

Gold Member
Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft Legends are new games.

I stand corrected, although it still can't be compared to Call of Duty. Minecraft has released two standalone spinoffs in over a decade, while Call of Duty spans over a dozen games in the last decade. Additionally, the monthly player base for Minecraft Dungeons is less than 12 million, while Minecraft has a monthly player base of of over 170 million (based on August 2022 figures). Regardless of your point, this still can't be compared to Call of Duty.
 

feynoob

Banned
I stand corrected, although it still can't be compared to Call of Duty. Minecraft has released two standalone spinoffs in over a decade, while Call of Duty spans over a dozen games in the last decade. Additionally, the monthly player base for Minecraft Dungeons is less than 12 million, while Minecraft has a monthly player base of of over 170 million (based on August 2022 figures). Regardless of your point, this still can't be compared to Call of Duty.
The main argument against COD, is that it needs 3 studios to make it yearly release, while minecraft isn't.

That is a huge resources, and main advantage to MS. Especially with COD being SP and MP.
 

IFireflyl

Gold Member
I guess it's great that Sony gave Bungie all of that money out of pure kindness so they could remain independent with no strings attached.

I have said this multiple times, and I guess I'll keep repeating it.

Sony acquired Bungie so they could share Bungie's knowledge of multiplayer with their other studios. Sony has stated that they plan to ramp up their live-service games, and Bungie has an abundance of knowledge and technology when it comes to live-service games.
 
I have said this multiple times, and I guess I'll keep repeating it.

Sony acquired Bungie so they could share Bungie's knowledge of multiplayer with their other studios. Sony has stated that they plan to ramp up their live-service games, and Bungie has an abundance of knowledge and technology when it comes to live-service games.
If Factions comes out and is a disaster on that front. We will know spending 3B in Bungie was a disaster.
 

phil_t98

#SonyToo
Ask a different question. Pre and Post acquisition could Apple realistically incentivize ABK to release it on Mac as a native app, with best in class performance? - obviously a rhetorical question, because currently ABK could take the money in 2-3years from Apple, post-acquisition that's never going to happen, and we both know it, hence the weakening of competition.

So your saying it isn’t on apple already?
 

PaintTinJr

Member
That argument is load of crap, considering the position of windows. Even without acquisition, that could still happen.

The fact CMA is thinking Activision purchase would make that kind of impact is weird.

There are more publishers that develop games for windows. What stops those publishers from doing the same thing?
You are missing the point. Microsoft have placed themselves in this spotlight by trying to buy a $70b publisher with an IP that is in the 10 most recognised IPs in the world AFAIK. Things that would normally require a special commission to investigate out with acquisitions are all in play, now because Microsoft wants to acquire Activision, putting their head in the noose.

This is why I still think clear heads as Microsoft might withdraw from the deal, because this type of scrutiny could just as easily trigger 10 investigations in the UK or EU later down the line.
 

phil_t98

#SonyToo
high quality GIF


We've seen with Bungie that, post-acquisition, they will remain independently operated and be able to release its future new games and IPs multiplatform as well.

So maybe it's up to Mojang if they make new games available for PlayStation and not Microsoft.


Do you know this or just making it up? As nothing was said about mojang being indipendant were as it was made clear that Bungie was.
 

feynoob

Banned
You are missing the point. Microsoft have placed themselves in this spotlight by trying to buy a $70b publisher with an IP that is in the 10 most recognised IPs in the world AFAIK. Things that would normally require a special commission to investigate out with acquisitions are all in play, now because Microsoft wants to acquire Activision, putting their head in the noose.

This is why I still think clear heads as Microsoft might withdraw from the deal, because this type of scrutiny could just as easily trigger 10 investigations in the UK or EU later down the line.
They won't withdraw, because of this.

MS have thought of every step from this deal. Because these type of stuff, needs hard proof.
And as for later investigation, good luck with that. MS is a cockroach, when it comes to th3se matter.
 

phil_t98

#SonyToo
why would that matter to the CMA - that used quite a few words concerning future competition?

So you’re saying the CMA should look into the deal because COD isn’t on apple macs. I know let’s look at it because it isn’t on Nintendo devices, let’s punish Microsoft who don’t own the company yet because it’s it on this devices. Jesus
 

ReBurn

Gold Member
One area that the CMA didn't mention in the phase 1 decision was the way in which Microsoft OS users regularly get forced to change Windows versions because of DirectX's first-class citizen API status - compared to OpenGL/Vulkan.

Now when we factor in Windows 11's vague security needs of TPM2.0/PTT/fTMP, that linux doesn't need, and then look at how Valorant(by Riot Games) is Windows only and can't be run on a Steam Deck without a Windows license. You have to wonder, if post-acquisition Microsoft would make CoD Windows 11 only on PC too, thereby using it to drive through sales for its OS and OEM hardware partners like HP/Lenovo/Dell - benefitting Intel mostly in their established duopoly of WinTel. further damaging competition with Apple computers, and AMD's competition in the CPU space with Intel.

Here's a quote from a 2007 interview on shacknews with Alex St John DirectX manager(?) from his time at Microsoft.

" I came in to do my presentation, and I got about three slides into it before I was interrupted by one of the executives saying, "This is all great stuff, you have a perfect plan. Developers who are reasonable should all support it, but what do you do if none of this works." "What do you mean?" "What if in spite of your best efforts, your best arguments, you best relationships, you can't get them to support them. How do you force the industry to support Microsoft anyway?" "Force them? Well, I don't know." "Come back when you have a plan that answers that question."

That perplexed me for a long time. I'm thinking, "What the hell does he mean, force them? I can't hold a gun to their head, so how do I put all these companies in a position where, regardless of what they see is in their best interest, they have to adopt your technology?" That experience had a major impact on my thinking. I realized that a major part of my job was to figure out how to use technology control to create economic force, or leverage, such that money and business flowed in Microsoft's direction, and people had to go [to them]. That, ultimately, is when I became a "Microsoft guy," when I got that concept."
They probably didn't mention swapping OS to play games because it's not a thing people regularly do. Nobody swaps the OS every time they want to play a PC game.

Complaining that Windows requires a license is probably one of your dumber takes. Being expected to pay for a Windows license isn't a new thing. But buying a license is not a requirement to install or use Windows 10 or Windows 11. Some Microsoft services are not available unless you license your copy but in general Windows is completely usable aside from a nag messaging if your copy isn't licensed. You can still play games on an unlicensed copy of Windows.

Also, Windows 11 security needs are not vague in any way. Microsoft did not obscure the fact that TPM 2.0 is a requirement for installing and running Windows 11. It's also not generally an issue since TPM 2.0 has existed since 2014 and most PC hardware that has shipped since then supports it. It didn't initially work on Steam Deck, but it does now after Valve updated the system to support it. If the complaint is that people can't install Windows 11 on their Gateway 2000 machines because of TPM then I guess you've found a gotcha.

Linux not requiring TPM to run is not a gotcha, either. Modern Linux distros fully support TPM 1.2 and 2.0. Corporate and government security policies these days typically require TPM-compliant hardware and implementation of the hardware-based security it allows, such as full-disk encryption. Microsoft makes more money on Windows from corporate and government sales than from gaming. Still, TPM is generally not a barrier to gaming in general. Some developers have used TPM to enforce DRM but that's not a Microsoft requirement. Valorant requires it, but Valorant isn't made by Microsoft. That's a Riot Games/Tencent thing.

Your DirectX harming Vulkan and OpenGL argument is also weird. An interview from 2007 where a guy says another guy told him he had to find a way force adoption of DirectX is interesting, but reality has been that nobody is being forced to use it. Graphics hardware vendors are supporting both DirectX and Vulkan at the hardware level and including support in their hardware drivers for Windows. Microsoft hasn't been interfering with Vulkan implementation by GPU vendors nor have they used their position to force GPU vendors to favor DirectX. Do you have any actual evidence that Microsoft has hindered Vulkan implementation on Windows?
 

ReBurn

Gold Member
I have said this multiple times, and I guess I'll keep repeating it.

Sony acquired Bungie so they could share Bungie's knowledge of multiplayer with their other studios. Sony has stated that they plan to ramp up their live-service games, and Bungie has an abundance of knowledge and technology when it comes to live-service games.
The premise of virtually every argument in this thread is whether we should believe what companies say they will do vs. what we believe they will actually do.

Sony stated that they supported Evolution games and what they were doing with DriveClub before ultimately firing the staff and shutting the studio down.


Unless you have some sort of insider knowledge outside of the handful of sentences Sony gave to the press when they announced the Bungie acquisition it really doesn't matter what you say about the Bungie acquisition. There's no reason to take what they said as evidence that they hold no sway over Bungie.
 

feynoob

Banned
They probably didn't mention swapping OS to play games because it's not a thing people regularly do. Nobody swaps the OS every time they want to play a PC game.

Complaining that Windows requires a license is probably one of your dumber takes. Being expected to pay for a Windows license isn't a new thing. But buying a license is not a requirement to install or use Windows 10 or Windows 11. Some Microsoft services are not available unless you license your copy but in general Windows is completely usable aside from a nag messaging if your copy isn't licensed. You can still play games on an unlicensed copy of Windows.

Also, Windows 11 security needs are not vague in any way. Microsoft did not obscure the fact that TPM 2.0 is a requirement for installing and running Windows 11. It's also not generally an issue since TPM 2.0 has existed since 2014 and most PC hardware that has shipped since then supports it. It didn't initially work on Steam Deck, but it does now after Valve updated the system to support it. If the complaint is that people can't install Windows 11 on their Gateway 2000 machines because of TPM then I guess you've found a gotcha.

Linux not requiring TPM to run is not a gotcha, either. Modern Linux distros fully support TPM 1.2 and 2.0. Corporate and government security policies these days typically require TPM-compliant hardware and implementation of the hardware-based security it allows, such as full-disk encryption. Microsoft makes more money on Windows from corporate and government sales than from gaming. Still, TPM is generally not a barrier to gaming in general. Some developers have used TPM to enforce DRM but that's not a Microsoft requirement. Valorant requires it, but Valorant isn't made by Microsoft. That's a Riot Games/Tencent thing.

Your DirectX harming Vulkan and OpenGL argument is also weird. An interview from 2007 where a guy says another guy told him he had to find a way force adoption of DirectX is interesting, but reality has been that nobody is being forced to use it. Graphics hardware vendors are supporting both DirectX and Vulkan at the hardware level and including support in their hardware drivers for Windows. Microsoft hasn't been interfering with Vulkan implementation by GPU vendors nor have they used their position to force GPU vendors to favor DirectX. Do you have any actual evidence that Microsoft has hindered Vulkan implementation on Windows?
Snooping Cristin Milioti GIF by PeacockTV
 

IFireflyl

Gold Member
The premise of virtually every argument in this thread is whether we should believe what companies say they will do vs. what we believe they will actually do.

Sony stated that they supported Evolution games and what they were doing with DriveClub before ultimately firing the staff and shutting the studio down.


Unless you have some sort of insider knowledge outside of the handful of sentences Sony gave to the press when they announced the Bungie acquisition it really doesn't matter what you say about the Bungie acquisition. There's no reason to take what they said as evidence that they hold no sway over Bungie.

None of this is relevant to what I said. You made a sarcastic quip about Sony purchasing Bungie and getting nothing out of it after someone else said that Bungie was remaining independent. I only reiterated what Sony said they are getting out of the Bungie acquisition.
 

MaulerX

Member
So apparently the decision in Brazil is fully confirmed as nobody appealed it within their allocated time frame.

Sony made such a big stink about this in Brazil and they didn't even bother to appeal it.
 
I dont know why I comeback here.

I was enjoying my life before.
Maybe because of boredom.

But if I get in to the same position as last time, I would request IP ban. That way, I won't have any chance to be here at all.

Also, I haven't played less since my last ban. My situation with gaming is getting bad.

Why do you keep creating new accounts instead of sticking with your old ones?

I have some theories on that but I would like an answer from you first if that's ok.
 

feynoob

Banned
Why do you keep creating new accounts instead of sticking with your old ones?

I have some theories on that but I would like an answer from you first if that's ok.
I like to get rid of the problem.

Usually those accounts have memories, which I don't want them back.

Since my reddit viasco, I try to not indulge heavily in social media. No Instagram, snapchat, FB, tiktok, or even reddit now. I don't want to be obsessed on something too much. Not good for my health.
 

ReBurn

Gold Member
I like to get rid of the problem.

Usually those accounts have memories, which I don't want them back.

Since my reddit viasco, I try to not indulge heavily in social media. No Instagram, snapchat, FB, tiktok, or even reddit now. I don't want to be obsessed on something too much. Not good for my health.
Deleting reddit is the best thing a human can do for their emotional well-being.
 

feynoob

Banned
Crap, that's a long time.
It's a 70b acquisition. It's the highest of a video game related company. It's raises alot of alarm. So it's gonna time some time to finish the findings.

If there are any problem, then the deal would have some set backs. Or worse, the deal would get canceled.

That is why it's taking too long.
 
I like to get rid of the problem.

Usually those accounts have memories, which I don't want them back.

Since my reddit viasco, I try to not indulge heavily in social media. No Instagram, snapchat, FB, tiktok, or even reddit now. I don't want to be obsessed on something too much. Not good for my health.

You really shouldn't be ashamed of your history. All of us have said dumb things in the past. What's true is that creating new accounts won't change who you are so you will probably continue to say things that you might not be proud of. New accounts will never eliminate that issue so its best to learn to accept who you are and just learn from your mistakes.
 
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