NickFire
Member
Per WaPo, they have already commenced the suit.
Microsoft / Activision Deal Approval Watch |OT| (MS/ABK close)
- Status
Hero of Spielberg
Member
Oh it's ironic. Just not the way you think it is.
nani17
are in a big trouble
Cod on sony for 10 years is a nice deal but does that mean everything? What stops MS from launching all the content on Xbox and only certain content on PS? What stops them from doing timed stuff? Sony should read between the lines before agreeing to such a deal which we know they will.
xHunter
Member
Heard some time ago that it is a bot that tweets out headlines from bloomberg.
HeisenbergFX4
Member
https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/b...s/2210077-microsoftactivision-blizzard-matter
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/new...oft-corps-acquisition-activision-blizzard-inc
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking to block technology giant Microsoft Corp. from acquiring leading video game developer Activision Blizzard, Inc. and its blockbuster gaming franchises such as Call of Duty, alleging that the $69 billion deal, Microsoft's largest ever and the largest ever in the video gaming industry, would enable Microsoft to suppress competitors to its Xbox gaming consoles and its rapidly growing subscription content and cloud-gaming business.
In a complaint issued today, the FTC pointed to Microsoft's record of acquiring and using valuable gaming content to suppress competition from rival consoles, including its acquisition of ZeniMax, parent company of Bethesda Softworks (a well-known game developer). Microsoft decided to make several of Bethesda's titles including Starfield and Redfall Microsoft exclusives despite assurances it had given to European antitrust authorities that it had no incentive to withhold games from rival consoles.
"Microsoft has already shown that it can and will withhold content from its gaming rivals," said Holly Vedova, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Competition. "Today we seek to stop Microsoft from gaining control over a leading independent game studio and using it to harm competition in multiple dynamic and fast-growing gaming markets."
Microsoft's Xbox Series S and Series X are one of only two types of high performance video game consoles. Importantly, Microsoft also offers a leading video game content subscription service called Xbox Game Pass, as well as a cutting-edge cloud-based video game streaming service, according to the complaint.
Activision is one of only a very small number of top video game developers in the world that create and publish high-quality video games for multiple devices, including video game consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. It produces some of the most iconic and popular video game titles, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch, and has a combined 154 million monthly active users around the world, according to the FTC's complaint. Activision currently has a strategy of offering its games on many devices regardless of producer.
But that could change if the deal is allowed to proceed. With control over Activision's blockbuster franchises, Microsoft would have both the means and motive to harm competition by manipulating Activision's pricing, degrading Activision's game quality or player experience on rival consoles and gaming services, changing the terms and timing of access to Activision's content, or withholding content from competitors entirely, resulting in harm to consumers.
The Commission vote to issue the complaint was 3-1, with Commissioner Christine S. Wilson voting no. A copy of the administrative complaint will be available shortly.
NOTE: The Commission issues an administrative complaint when it has "reason to believe" that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The issuance of the administrative complaint marks the beginning of a proceeding in which the allegations will be tried in a formal hearing before an administrative law judge.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about how competition benefits consumers or file an antitrust complaint. For the latest news and resources, follow the FTC on social media, subscribe to press releases and read our blog.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/new...oft-corps-acquisition-activision-blizzard-inc
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking to block technology giant Microsoft Corp. from acquiring leading video game developer Activision Blizzard, Inc. and its blockbuster gaming franchises such as Call of Duty, alleging that the $69 billion deal, Microsoft's largest ever and the largest ever in the video gaming industry, would enable Microsoft to suppress competitors to its Xbox gaming consoles and its rapidly growing subscription content and cloud-gaming business.
In a complaint issued today, the FTC pointed to Microsoft's record of acquiring and using valuable gaming content to suppress competition from rival consoles, including its acquisition of ZeniMax, parent company of Bethesda Softworks (a well-known game developer). Microsoft decided to make several of Bethesda's titles including Starfield and Redfall Microsoft exclusives despite assurances it had given to European antitrust authorities that it had no incentive to withhold games from rival consoles.
"Microsoft has already shown that it can and will withhold content from its gaming rivals," said Holly Vedova, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Competition. "Today we seek to stop Microsoft from gaining control over a leading independent game studio and using it to harm competition in multiple dynamic and fast-growing gaming markets."
Microsoft's Xbox Series S and Series X are one of only two types of high performance video game consoles. Importantly, Microsoft also offers a leading video game content subscription service called Xbox Game Pass, as well as a cutting-edge cloud-based video game streaming service, according to the complaint.
Activision is one of only a very small number of top video game developers in the world that create and publish high-quality video games for multiple devices, including video game consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. It produces some of the most iconic and popular video game titles, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch, and has a combined 154 million monthly active users around the world, according to the FTC's complaint. Activision currently has a strategy of offering its games on many devices regardless of producer.
But that could change if the deal is allowed to proceed. With control over Activision's blockbuster franchises, Microsoft would have both the means and motive to harm competition by manipulating Activision's pricing, degrading Activision's game quality or player experience on rival consoles and gaming services, changing the terms and timing of access to Activision's content, or withholding content from competitors entirely, resulting in harm to consumers.
The Commission vote to issue the complaint was 3-1, with Commissioner Christine S. Wilson voting no. A copy of the administrative complaint will be available shortly.
NOTE: The Commission issues an administrative complaint when it has "reason to believe" that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The issuance of the administrative complaint marks the beginning of a proceeding in which the allegations will be tried in a formal hearing before an administrative law judge.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about how competition benefits consumers or file an antitrust complaint. For the latest news and resources, follow the FTC on social media, subscribe to press releases and read our blog.
Umbasaborne
Banned
I really dont see a world where this deal goes through
ChorizoPicozo
Member
So, Are you agreeing with my logic?
Pretty much.
CMA was just waiting for something like this.
I don't see Microsoft willing to get stucked in a court limbo with their strategies frozen long term.
Either the terms are significantly negotiated and Activision keeps a lot of their independence under Microsoft or this won't end well.
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The FTC knows that Spencer is full of shit. He says he wants to expand access to games but paid billions to force Bethesda to cancel the PS5 version of Starfield which was well underway.
Glad the FTC sees through this BS artist who is trying to turn gaming into Netflix style garbage where we own nothing. The FTC is looking out for consumers.
Glad the FTC sees through this BS artist who is trying to turn gaming into Netflix style garbage where we own nothing. The FTC is looking out for consumers.
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feynoob
Banned
Ass of Can Whooping
Member
Why don't you continue talking about credentials so you can continue moving the goal post
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SEGAvangelist
Member
This story is going on way too long. I guess Sony gets what they wanted by stalling this for even longer. It's gonna be a good year of MS not being able to acquire other developers.
ChorizoPicozo
Member
GhostOfTsu
Banned
Senjutsu and Adamsapple make believe world
feynoob
Banned
Great point,
anthony2690
Member
FTC Seeks to Block Microsoft Corp.’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc.
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking to block technology giant Microsoft Corp. from acquiring leading video game developer Activision Blizzard, Inc.
Might interest some here.
So does this mean it's over?
I don't really understand or follow this stuff.
I was just hoping all my buddies would be on diablo 4 with me
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adamsapple
Or is it just one of Phil's balls in my throat?
FTC Seeks to Block Microsoft Corp.’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc.
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking to block technology giant Microsoft Corp. from acquiring leading video game developer Activision Blizzard, Inc.www.ftc.gov
Might interest some here.
So does this mean it's over?
I don't really understand or follow this stuff.
I was just hoping all my buddies would be in diablo 4 with me
No it just means it goes to court, where FTC doesn't exactly have a great track record recently.
feynoob
Banned
Kilau
Member
Lina Khan saw that Sony only has 19% of the Plume powered homes and had to stop this.
Hero of Spielberg
Member
Why you don't you keep accusing others of not knowing anything in an attempt to mask your complete ignorance.
feynoob
Banned
Its going to court now.FTC Seeks to Block Microsoft Corp.’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc.
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking to block technology giant Microsoft Corp. from acquiring leading video game developer Activision Blizzard, Inc.
Might interest some here.
So does this mean it's over?
I don't really understand or follow this stuff.
I was just hoping all my buddies would be on diablo 4 with me
anthony2690
Member
xHunter
Member
I would say it depends on the CMA and/or EU now. If they also try to block it, it might be dead.FTC Seeks to Block Microsoft Corp.’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc.
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking to block technology giant Microsoft Corp. from acquiring leading video game developer Activision Blizzard, Inc.
Might interest some here.
So does this mean it's over?
I don't really understand or follow this stuff.
I was just hoping all my buddies would be on diablo 4 with me
SirKicksalot
Member
Microsoft will shut down this argument with Morrowind, Oblivion and Dark Messiah. Both devs have a history of Xbox exclusives and bad (sometimes unplayable) Playstation ports.
Iced Arcade
Member
lol its going to be a long year. oh the foolishness we shall read until then.
Draugoth
Gold Member
wake me up when something big actually happens
Ass of Can Whooping
Member
I want them to use that argument, but I think Microsoft is a little bit smarter than that
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leo-j
Member
Tbh what they did with Bethesda is what probably killed this deal. They killed ES VI, Starfield, and any other future Bethesda games after they said they would remain loyal to all fanbases of said franchises on other platforms. That and the whole 10 year deal thing means it's not staying multi platform past that.
thicc_girls_are_teh_best
Member
Wow, color me surprised. I was not expecting this TBH. I figured that concessions would be made but otherwise the deal be allowed to proceed. Seems like that isn't happening.
If the FTC's suing, then CMA likely will, too. Microsoft can technically take them to court but I dunno the odds of them overturning it. This deal might legit be dead now.
Right before the TGAs too
If the FTC's suing, then CMA likely will, too. Microsoft can technically take them to court but I dunno the odds of them overturning it. This deal might legit be dead now.
Right before the TGAs too
HeisenbergFX4
Member
Agreed I think a lot expected this
DeepEnigma
Gold Member
Sony is not the FTC.
Heisenberg007
Gold Journalism
Good news.
adamsapple
Or is it just one of Phil's balls in my throat?
Brooo..hahaha...
So whats happened to that 70 billion money msft spend on Activision Blizzard...
Gone for good? Gg phil spencer
You think that $70 bn disappear if the deal doesn't go through ?
Ass of Can Whooping
Member
Airbus Jr
Banned
YesYou think that $70 bn disappear if the deal doesn't go through ?
Draugoth
Gold Member
Brooo..hahaha...
So whats happened to that 70 billion money msft spend on Activision Blizzard...
Gone for good? Gg phil spencer
The deal is going trough... It's probably going to take longer to finish.
Btw i dont think MS will be able to buy anyone else over the next 10 years.
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ChorizoPicozo
Member
Did something happen?
adamsapple
Or is it just one of Phil's balls in my throat?
HeisenbergFX4
Member
I still expect its going through as well, MS was ready for this
bentanchorbolt
Banned
This just means they are going to court, and anyone inferring it means anything else is just speaking out of turn.
Airbus Jr
Banned
Not acording to this recent development
Heisenberg007
Gold Journalism
Games nearly 2 decades ago? Not a relevant or valid argument.
They should go by empirical data. Look at Zenimax's customer base across Xbox and PS and see how many gamers (PS) in terms of percentage lost access to Zenimax games. If it is negligible, point in favor of MS. If it is relatively substantial, the argument against Xbox/MS remains valid.
SEGAvangelist
Member
Duh?
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