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[anthony2690]

Nadella and Bobby Kotick's PR rounds today makes me believe this deal is about to get blocked and they know it. Both guys sound extremely desperate with their wordings.

I wonder what kind of remedies the CMA will come up with and if they are going to be too much for MS to accept.

As an Xbox fan who would like the deal to go through, if they say all EXISTING Activision blizzard ips that are are currently on playstation (crash, cod, spyro, diablo etc) must continue to release on playstation just accept the deal, it doesn't negatively impact me if people can continue to enjoy acti blizzard games elsewhere, I'll get them on game pass or have the option to buy them still. (& My friends will have diablo 4, that is all that matters) XD

They can make any new exclusive IP Xbox/PC only if they want. (Whatever that blizzard survival game and rumoured infinity ward RPG is) as I can't imagine Sony fans would care too much then, as they wouldn't miss out on games they are already getting.

I think the only people that would be upset are ones that hoping these games would be taken away for their silly online twitter arguments.

I wish we could see what is being said between Microsoft, Activision and FTC/CMA, what they are proposing, what concessions they want etc.

 

[baphomet]

What about the last decade? It's clear that MS has backed away from moneyhats where Sony has doubled down.

One of the biggest games of 2023 so far was money hatted by MS

 

[GHG]

I've never seen Sataya look so sullen.

Phil has sold him down the river, that's why. The way you've got to see it is that everything Phil has said in the press, he's said to Sataya behind closed doors and more.

He got told stories about how they can access 2 billion gamers so gave him the full backing of the organisation. He got told that Google and Amazon were their real competition (US big tech vs US big tech, could there be a more tasty face-off?). He got told stories about infinite revenue growth for gamepass and how it won't impact their software sales revenues, better yet it would cause those to increase. He got told that the Series S would lead to gamers flocking to Xbox, because who doesn't like "value" right?

Sataya believed it so much that he was willing to agree to have some of his annual bonus be contingent on the performance of Xbox of all things (oops).

And now, 3-4 years later, what are the results? What are they now forecasting? I can tell you for a fact, it's not what he was promised, nor was it what he was expecting. Nevermind the fact that as an organisation they are potentially about to get dragged by 3 of the largest regulatory bodies in the world.

 

[bitbydeath]

Not sure if the update was posted yet, not that it says much but still better than the bickering.

Update, February 7: A Microsoft spokesperson pointed Ars Technica to a statement that has been appended to the New York Times report: "Microsoft said that it believes it has a strong case in Britain and it has not predetermined, nor been advised by its lawyers, that the merger will be blocked."

Report: Microsoft expects UK to block Activision merger deal [Updated]

UK inquiry’s preliminary findings could be issued as early as this week.

arstechnica.com

 

[mansoor1980]

imo they know xbox is dead in japan , nadella is simply riding on that same ''WE ARE SMALLER'' narrative .

 

[Pelta88]

As an Xbox fan who would like the deal to go through, if they say all EXISTING Activision blizzard ips that are are currently on playstation (crash, cod, spyro, diablo etc) must continue to release on playstation just accept the deal, it doesn't negatively impact me if people can continue to enjoy acti blizzard games elsewhere, I'll get them on game pass or have the option to buy them still. (& My friends will have diablo 4, that is all that matters) XD

In an ideal world, this.

Unfortunately, this is about wrestling the most popular multipat away from Sony and at some point make it an exclusive to the XBOX ecosystem. Phil and Sataya's PR says otherwise but if faced with that regulatory choice, they will walk away. Because at that point, COD in perpetuity enforces todays status quo.

And XBOX is trying to "compete."

 

[graywolf323]

As an Xbox fan who would like the deal to go through, if they say all EXISTING Activision blizzard ips that are are currently on playstation (crash, cod, spyro, diablo etc) must continue to release on playstation just accept the deal, it doesn't negatively impact me if people can continue to enjoy acti blizzard games elsewhere, I'll get them on game pass or have the option to buy them still. (& My friends will have diablo 4, that is all that matters) XD

They can make any new exclusive IP Xbox/PC only if they want. (Whatever that blizzard survival game and rumoured infinity ward RPG is) as I can't imagine Sony fans would care too much then, as they wouldn't miss out on games they are already getting.

I think the only people that would be upset are ones that hoping these games would be taken away for their silly online twitter arguments.

I wish we could see what is being said between Microsoft, Activision and FTC/CMA, what they are proposing, what concessions they want etc.

it’d help if they had actually done that with Bethesda, honestly it’s the fact they played coy about making those games exclusive before the acquisition and then haven’t announced anything for PlayStation since it closed that‘s biting them in the ass now with Acti-Blizz I think

 

[gothmog]

Not sure if the update was posted yet, not that it says much but still better than the bickering.

http://[URL]https://arstechnica.com...pects-uk-to-block-activision-merger-deal/amp/

[/URL]

Microsoft has been constantly saying that this deal is all good even though they keep complaining about the regulators and Sony. This means nothing.

 

[gothmog]

it’d help if they had actually done that with Bethesda, honestly it’s the fact they played coy about making those games exclusive before the acquisition and then haven’t announced anything for PlayStation since it closed that‘s biting them in the ass now with Acti-Blizz I think

The problem is Microsoft needed to decide if they wanted to be Xbox the console or GamePass the service. They "Xboxed" Bethesda into exclusivity when they should have "GamePassed" them by having them both publish as a third party and put the games on the service. If they did that this deal would be well on its way to closing.

 

[wolffy71]

I didn't compare the acquisition to "mass death by lethal injection". Work on your reading comprehension because it is atrocious.

Remove your asshole from Microsoft's cock for ten seconds so you can read and understand this:

I would be against the acquisition of Activision Blizzard King regardless of whether it was Microsoft, Nintendo, or Sony who was the company attempting to acquire them. I have stated this many times. None of these companies are your friend. Every single one of them would behave in the same manner (regarding the euthanizing comment I made previously). Corporations put money above everything else, including ethics and morality.

Now kindly fuck off since you don't seem to understand me.

So you would just tell Activision that they are forbidden to sell and must remain in operation?

How is that even a possibility in a capitalist world? Activision, if they feel it's in their best interest to sell, should have the right to do so.

 

[bitbydeath]

So you would just tell Activision that they are forbidden to sell and must remain in operation?

How is that even a possibility in a capitalist world? Activision, if they feel it's in their best interest to sell, should have the right to do so.

They don’t need to sell but if they did they could either be broken up or sold off to Tencent, Amazon etc

 

[bxrz]

The problem is Microsoft needed to decide if they wanted to be Xbox the console or GamePass the service. They "Xboxed" Bethesda into exclusivity when they should have "GamePassed" them by having them both publish as a third party and put the games on the service. If they did that this deal would be well on its way to closing.

Absolutely not. Xbox needs Starfield and Redfall as exclusives.

Also. Xbox buying Bethesda is not a moneyhat. Its an acquisition that everyone in gaming, besides Nintendo, does.

 

[Pelta88]

Bethesda has the most to lose if this deal fails. If Microsoft can't get COD then it falls to Starfield to build momentum and I just don't see it. Before anyone gets offended, take a second to think about it. Starfield needs to build the type of momentum TLOU did for PS3/4

And I haven't seen anything to suggest the game is that kind of calibre. Truthfully, I thought the actual gameplay was lacklustre at best. Of course anyone can disagree since my opinion is just that, an opinion. That said, there is a weight of expectation that has been unfairly placed on starfield's shoulders.

 

[gothmog]

Absolutely not. Xbox needs Starfield and Redfall as exclusives.

Also. Xbox buying Bethesda is not a moneyhat. Its an acquisition that everyone in gaming, besides Nintendo, does.

I don't think Microsoft needs exclusives if they want to be the Netflix of gaming. GamePass gets it day one as well as retail boxes. They make money no matter how people choose to consume. Making it Xbox only means the walled garden is artificially higher than it needed to be, especially when the studios they bought were third party multiplatform.

If Microsoft owns the studio and publishes it everywhere who loses?

 

[GHG]

Bethesda has the most to lose if this deal fails. If Microsoft can't get COD then it falls to Starfield to build momentum and I just don't see it. Before anyone gets offended, take a second to think about it. Starfield needs to build the type of momentum TLOU did for PS3/4

And I haven't seen anything to suggest the game is that kind of calibre. Truthfully, I thought the actual gameplay was lacklustre at best. Of course anyone can disagree since my opinion is just that, an opinion. That said, there is a weight of expectation that has been unfairly placed on starfield's shoulders.

I actually think that overall it would be a win for Bethesda considering how many FPS IP they have under their belt. It gives the likes of Doom, Quake, Wolfenstein and Rage some room to shine. I'm also insistent that Halo needs to be taken away from 343i ASAP and be given to id software for a reboot. Give a few of those IP the focus and attention they deserve.

Yes it might be bad from a "pressure" perspective but they are already crowded when it comes to FPS IP and any one of those aforementioned names can be nurtured into being a juggernaut with the correct stewardship (*AHEM, hint hint*) and investment. Also it's been proven time and time again that nothing of lasting value is ever produced without a bit of pressure in some way being involved.

 

[IFireflyl]

So you would just tell Activision that they are forbidden to sell and must remain in operation?

How is that even a possibility in a capitalist world? Activision, if they feel it's in their best interest to sell, should have the right to do so.

If that was the only possible outcome that you could imagine then I'm disappointed in you. Critical thinking is something that everyone should have and use. Go find some.

 

[adamsapple]

I actually think that overall it would be a win for Bethesda considering how many FPS IP they have under their belt. It gives the likes of Doom, Quake, Wolfenstein and Rage some room to shine. I'm also insistent that Halo needs to be taken away from 343i ASAP and be given to id software for a reboot. Give a few of those IP the focus and attention they deserve.

Yes it might be bad from a "pressure" perspective but they are already crowded when it comes to FPS IP and any one of those aforementioned names can be nurtured into being a juggernaut with the correct stewardship (*AHEM, hint hint*) and investment. Also it's been proven time and time again that nothing of lasting value is ever produced without a bit of pressure in some way being involved.

Besides, Bethesda is not just BGS. Zenimax has 8 development studios, they can easily spread themselves across multiple different projects of different genres.

 

[ChiefDada]

I don't think Microsoft needs exclusives if they want to be the Netflix of gaming. GamePass gets it day one as well as retail boxes. They make money no matter how people choose to consume. Making it Xbox only means the walled garden is artificially higher than it needed to be, especially when the studios they bought were third party multiplatform.

If Microsoft owns the studio and publishes it everywhere who loses?

Then what would be the incentive for them to remain in the console business?

 

[DarkMage619]

I don't think Microsoft needs exclusives if they want to be the Netflix of gaming. GamePass gets it day one as well as retail boxes. They make money no matter how people choose to consume. Making it Xbox only means the walled garden is artificially higher than it needed to be, especially when the studios they bought were third party multiplatform.

If Microsoft owns the studio and publishes it everywhere who loses?

MS will never make it Xbox only because all their games hit PC. If you subscribe to Game pass Ultimate you can stream the games on portable devices as well. MS is the most multi platform of all the console makers.

Then what would be the incentive for them to remain in the console business?

The easiest way to access Game pass is via their console. Dropping that would be a huge setback to Game pass availability. Console will remain a big part of their gaming business.

 

[Thirty7ven]

What game is Activision releasing in Japan that can knock down Nintendo? This shows you that ms execs are out of touch with gaming.

Might be worse than that. They might be saying “Japanese companies own Japan, USA company must own the U.S”

 

[gothmog]

Then what would be the incentive for them to remain in the console business?

Why does Nvidia create founders editions? Why does Google make Pixels? I could see the Xbox being like that.

I would bet that Xbox made sure GamePass worked on the Steam Deck so they could see how well it worked.

 

[HoofHearted]

Well…. This thread is pretty much where I left it at least 40-50 pages ago…

 

[gothmog]

MS will never make it Xbox only because all their games hit PC. If you subscribe to Game pass Ultimate you can stream the games on portable devices as well. MS is the most multi platform of all the console makers.


The easiest way to access Game pass is via their console. Dropping that would be a huge setback to Game pass availability. Console will remain a big part of their gaming business.

Dude nobody wants streaming. They accept streaming based on the use cases. If they wanted it PSNow, Stadia, Luna, and even Xcloud would be more successful.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Same as what Sony does

 

[bentanchorbolt]

Dude nobody wants streaming. They accept streaming based on the use cases. If they wanted it PSNow, Stadia, Luna, and even Xcloud would be more successful.

People don’t know what they want until you tell them. As the tech improves it will be wildly successful.

 

[DeepEnigma]

People don’t know what they want until you tell them. As the tech improves it will be wildly successful.

Gonna solve the speed of light and quantum physics are they?

 

[The_Mike]

Then what would be the incentive for them to remain in the console business?

As long as there is a demand for xbox consoles, then there's really no reason not to make them.

Microsoft supports the pc platform 100 percent, yet there's still people who doesn't want to play on pc, and that's where they have a product for these gamers.

Gamepass can be streamed, but you can install the games on both PC and xbox, which always gives a better experience.

Xbox leaving the console business would be as crucial for console gaming as if amd closed because of Intel and nvidia dominating, making monopoly and fuck the consumers over.

 

[The_Mike]

Well…. This thread is pretty much where I left it at least 40-50 pages ago…

Have you made it to where there were crazy car comparisons yet?

If not, then there's some interesting reading, but I can't give you a page number as I've read 99 percent of all pages in here and there's no chance in hell I'll start all over

 

[gothmog]

People don’t know what they want until you tell them. As the tech improves it will be wildly successful.

So will VR. Someday. I think both technologies are strong, but like self driving cars its not that simple.

 

[Pelta88]

I actually think that overall it would be a win for Bethesda considering how many FPS IP they have under their belt. It gives the likes of Doom, Quake, Wolfenstein and Rage some room to shine. I'm also insistent that Halo needs to be taken away from 343i ASAP and be given to id software for a reboot. Give a few of those IP the focus and attention they deserve.

Yes it might be bad from a "pressure" perspective but they are already crowded when it comes to FPS IP and any one of those aforementioned names can be nurtured into being a juggernaut with the correct stewardship (*AHEM, hint hint*) and investment. Also it's been proven time and time again that nothing of lasting value is ever produced without a bit of pressure in some way being involved.

I'm all for the game succeeding despite the added weight of expectation. It's a win-win for us. I just feel that the expectation has the potential to distort what Starfield was meant to be. A good game first and foremost. I get the sense that if the game doesn't re-invent the wheel a lot of people will be dismissive. They've spent years elevating to the point where it's far beyond the hype.

People don’t know what they want until you tell them. As the tech improves it will be wildly successful.

You must have missed XBOX explanation of cloud to the regulators.

 

[Dr. Claus]

As long as there is a demand for xbox consoles, then there's really no reason not to make them.

Microsoft supports the pc platform 100 percent, yet there's still people who doesn't want to play on pc, and that's where they have a product for these gamers.

Gamepass can be streamed, but you can install the games on both PC and xbox, which always gives a better experience.

Xbox leaving the console business would be as crucial for console gaming as if amd closed because of Intel and nvidia dominating, making monopoly and fuck the consumers over.

I agree with you here. We should keep Microsoft/Xbox in the game for as long as possible.

However, they need to do fucking better than the piss poor showing they have had since the midway point of the 360 (and I would argue Sony needs to do fucking better than the shitshow they have been since 2016 when they moved HQs to California, retard capital of the world).

 

[GHG]

The easiest way to access Game pass is via their console. Dropping that would be a huge setback to Game pass availability. Console will remain a big part of their gaming business.

Previously you told us the following:

It's more options to people who don't have consoles at all which outnumber people who do. MS games business is bigger than just consoles. Also MS plans on putting games like CoD on Switch as well and that is also giving more people options to play. I don't think there is anything wrong with the statement.

It means people who don't have game consoles at all could still be potential customers for Xbox games. Whether or not they all choose to access those games doesn't change the fact that it becomes an option for those people. It is a fact that more people with those devices exist than people who have PlayStations and if even a fraction of those people get Game pass its a win to MS. Protecting Sony customers is not MS' responsibility any more than it was Sony's responsibility to protect Xbox gamers when they money hat exclusivtivity for 3rd party games. At least you aren't forced to buy Xbox hardware to play those games.

So before it was you don't need a console, there are easier options, their business is bigger than consoles, more customers without consoles blah blah blah. But now console is the easiest way to access their games, not cloud or any other "option" Xbox offer to customers? What has changed Mr mage?

 

[HoofHearted]

Have you made it to where there were crazy car comparisons yet?

If not, then there's some interesting reading, but I can't give you a page number as I've read 99 percent of all pages in here and there's no chance in hell I'll start all over

Oh yes - I remember…

 

[gothmog]

As long as there is a demand for xbox consoles, then there's really no reason not to make them.

Microsoft supports the pc platform 100 percent, yet there's still people who doesn't want to play on pc, and that's where they have a product for these gamers.

Gamepass can be streamed, but you can install the games on both PC and xbox, which always gives a better experience.

Xbox leaving the console business would be as crucial for console gaming as if amd closed because of Intel and nvidia dominating, making monopoly and fuck the consumers over.

Yep. Agreed. I was just saying that GamePass needs to be prioritized in order to succeed. Xbox hardware can and should be successful if GamePass is successful.

Not sure if it maps perfectly but I played most Valve games on console when I couldn't afford a decent PC. That did not seem to weaken the benefits of Steam.

 

[bentanchorbolt]

Gonna solve the speed of light and quantum physics are they?

I know you think that’s smart and you probably said it more than once or twice but pro tip, that isn’t how it works.

 

[bentanchorbolt]

So will VR. Someday. I think both technologies are strong, but like self driving cars its not that simple.

It’s just a matter of time for both. It’s an afterthought until it’s all of a sudden the standard.

 

[Nothing1234]

Satya Nadella really threw Xbox Japan marketshare out there. I can’t believe it.

 

[Three]

Absolutely not. Xbox needs Starfield and Redfall as exclusives.

Also. Xbox buying Bethesda is not a moneyhat. Its an acquisition that everyone in gaming, besides Nintendo, does.

They do moneyhats too. Yes even after Tomb Raider. PUBG, The Medium, HoL etc were all "moneyhatted" but the difference between a moneyhat and an acquisition of IPs is even worse.

 

[GigaBowser]

So is this going to happen or what?

 

[3liteDragon]

So is this going to happen or what?

We'll find out this week.

 

[3liteDragon]

 

[DarkMage619]

Dude nobody wants streaming. They accept streaming based on the use cases. If they wanted it PSNow, Stadia, Luna, and even Xcloud would be more successful.

Well regulators are arguing that MS has an unbeatable advantage in cloud so I keep getting confused on what is an advantage or not. Seeing how cloud isn't even a stand alone product I'm comfortable calling it a feature. Doesn't really matter, Xbox still features their games on more platforms than their competitors right now. Having cloud + PC + console day one is plenty of options for customers. No console purchase necessary.

Hopefully the courts will throw out any complaints Sony makes then if they are unwilling to substantiate the 'harm' they will suffer if this deal passes.

 

[thicc_girls_are_teh_best]

Bringing up Xbox console market share in Japan.

I already knew this was making the rounds but this is my first time actually watching the clip itself and...oh my goodness

Who is he referring to when he brings up people that make more in gaming who don't build games today? Is he talking about Konami? Is he saying Konami makes more in gaming than Microsoft does with Xbox? What's the last serious game Konami made, MGS5?

And my man actually went to the "Xbox in Japan" bullet point. Hey remember when 360 was smothering PS3 in the US? I wonder if Sony used that with regulators so they could buy Bungie. Hate to say it but this and the Kotick stuff were disasters; it seems pretty desperate now.

Well regulators are arguing that MS has an unbeatable advantage in cloud so I keep getting confused on what is an advantage or not. Seeing how cloud isn't even a stand alone product I'm comfortable calling it a feature. Doesn't really matter, Xbox still features their games on more platforms than their competitors right now. Having cloud + PC + console day one is plenty of options for customers. No console purchase necessary.


Hopefully the courts will throw out any complaints Sony makes then if they are unwilling to substantiate the 'harm' they will suffer if this deal passes.

MS asking for 11 years worth of 1P & 3P content deals to be disclosed, let alone upper brass employee review reports, is hilariously overreaching just to try proving Sony don't need COD.

Like, literally just ask for development & marketing budgets, and expenses, for already released (or officially announced) 1P & 3P exclusives. The other stuff will only lead to info getting out into wrong hands with bad faith actors leaking Sony's gaming plans & twisting rumors, potentially jeopardizing business relationships. That and poaching specific talent with targeted efforts gained from employee review reports.

Neither of which are ethical or probably even legal.

 

[kanjobazooie]

Who is he referring to when he brings up people that make more in gaming who don't build games today?

Apple, I think.

 

[demigod]

I already knew this was making the rounds but this is my first time actually watching the clip itself and...oh my goodness

Who is he referring to when he brings up people that make more in gaming who don't build games today? Is he talking about Konami? Is he saying Konami makes more in gaming than Microsoft does with Xbox? What's the last serious game Konami made, MGS5?

And my man actually went to the "Xbox in Japan" bullet point. Hey remember when 360 was smothering PS3 in the US? I wonder if Sony used that with regulators so they could buy Bungie. Hate to say it but this and the Kotick stuff were disasters; it seems pretty desperate now.

Probably Google, Apple and Steam.

 

[Baki]

Apple, I think.

Its Apple

 

[thicc_girls_are_teh_best]

Apple, I think.

Its Apple

But Apple actually helped fund a few Apple Arcade games. Fantasia, for example.

Co-funding a game counts as helping "build" it IMO.

 

[Baki]

But Apple actually helped fund a few Apple Arcade games. Fantasia, for example.

Co-funding a game counts as helping "build" it IMO.

He's just trying to throw shade on Apple's 30% tax.

 

[ChiefDada]

Bringing up Xbox console market share in Japan.

Jesus, he went on such a brainless, drawn out tangent no one would fault you for forgetting the interviewer's original question, which was:

"How certain are you now compared to where you were that [the deal] is going to go through?"

My guess is not confident at all.

 

[thicc_girls_are_teh_best]

Jesus, he went on such a brainless, drawn out tangent no one would fault you for forgetting the interviewer's original question, which was:

"How certain are you now compared to where you were that [the deal] is going to go through?"

My guess is not confident at all.

If the interviewer repeated the question I'd almost think Satya would've Will Smith'd him.