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[SoloKingRobert]

Instead of calling it Xbox, Bethesda, Activision Blizzard Showcase next year... Microsoft should call it something simpler like E3?

 

[Jemm]

Instead of calling it Xbox, Bethesda, Activision Blizzard Showcase next year... Microsoft should call it something simpler like E3?

How about "EEE"?

 

[DarkMage619]

The dreamland where a shit mismanaged division for 20 years acquiring the biggest publisher and multiple ips with daddys money is "good for gamers"

It is certainly good for Xbox customers and Activision employees.

 

[Ozzy Onya A2Z]

Are you expecting to see those contracts? Doesn't seem like you understand how this works.

I was sort of thinking Sony may have abandoned the process and was curious if they had provided. I don't recall a date set for the denied request for extension.

 

[fred420170]

It is certainly good for Xbox customers and Activision employees.

It's good for the industry. Things have been status quo for far too long and stale. Whichever way it goes one thing is for sure, Sony showed the world what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are. The so called "gaming journalists" have shown their true colors since the deal was announced trying to write ANY doom and gloom article, they can manufacture to make MS look bad.

 

[Topher]

It's good for the industry. Things have been status quo for far too long and stale. Whichever way it goes one thing is for sure, Sony showed the world what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are. The so called "gaming journalists" have shown their true colors since the deal was announced trying to write ANY doom and gloom article, they can manufacture to make MS look bad.

 

[MasterCornholio]

It's good for the industry. Things have been status quo for far too long and stale. Whichever way it goes one thing is for sure, Sony showed the world what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are. The so called "gaming journalists" have shown their true colors since the deal was announced trying to write ANY doom and gloom article, they can manufacture to make MS look bad.

I think a lot of that negativity was caused by Microsoft to be fair. Like the last NPD results for example. Doesn't mean journalists were writing those articles because Microsoft is going through this deal. That's just a coincidence and nothing more.

 

[DarkMage619]

It's good for the industry. Things have been status quo for far too long and stale. Whichever way it goes one thing is for sure, Sony showed the world what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are. The so called "gaming journalists" have shown their true colors since the deal was announced trying to write ANY doom and gloom article, they can manufacture to make MS look bad.

One thing is clear, Sony is really the only company against the deal and it certainly wasn't because they were concerned about the industry. Far more entities benefit than Sony possibly losing some money. Looking forward to seeing what happens next week. Hoping regulators continue to realize this deal breaks no laws and the market leader will be just fine regardless.

 

[Edmund]

One thing is clear, Sony is really the only company against the deal and it certainly wasn't because they were concerned about the industry. Far more entities benefit than Sony possibly losing some money. Looking forward to seeing what happens next week. Hoping regulators continue to realize this deal breaks no laws and the market leader will be just fine regardless.

You should give standup comedy a shot.

 

[Chukhopops]

One thing is clear, Sony is really the only company against the deal and it certainly wasn't because they were concerned about the industry. Far more entities benefit than Sony possibly losing some money. Looking forward to seeing what happens next week. Hoping regulators continue to realize this deal breaks no laws and the market leader will be just fine regardless.

Valve didn't even need to sign a contract with MS since, quote, they trust them based on their experience working with them.

 

[ulantan]

It's good for the industry. Things have been status quo for far too long and stale. Whichever way it goes one thing is for sure, Sony showed the world what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are. The so called "gaming journalists" have shown their true colors since the deal was announced trying to write ANY doom and gloom article, they can manufacture to make MS look bad.

What if things are the the status quo because Microsoft has been stinky?

 

[drganon]

It's good for the industry. Things have been status quo for far too long and stale. Whichever way it goes one thing is for sure, Sony showed the world what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are. The so called "gaming journalists" have shown their true colors since the deal was announced trying to write ANY doom and gloom article, they can manufacture to make MS look bad.

 

[ChuckeRearmed]

One thing is clear, Sony is really the only company against the deal and it certainly wasn't because they were concerned about the industry. Far more entities benefit than Sony possibly losing some money. Looking forward to seeing what happens next week. Hoping regulators continue to realize this deal breaks no laws and the market leader will be just fine regardless.

I think after ABK deal, regulators will become more aware about the gaming market. The fact is that CMA dropped console SLC, means that the next time it won't appear at all simply because no game can rival COD (in the way Sony described it anyway). And also cloud concerns will be smaller - after all ABK deal has defined the framework for deals like this.

 

[sainraja]

It's the calm before the storm. We're a few days out from CMA's results.

There should be no storm after the calm, given that it has been pretty clear that this will be approved. Why are we still playing it up as if its official announcement will change what is already known to be the outcome?

Any surprises at this point will come if they still have to make some big concessions, or if the deal somehow gets rejected, which is not likely, or when MS does a 180 on the things they have been saying just to get it to go through—so you might have to wait to see that.

 

[feynoob]

Sony isn't going to spend $40 billion on a game publisher (what it would take for EA or Epic).. even spending half that would be a stretch.

This forum loves to talk about pointless hypotheticals.

Fans love their companies to waste their money, because they think that is a better decision.

Sony will get more by buying small studios, rather than big publishers.

Look at Hogwarts legacy and returnal devs. Both managed to produce AAA quality games, after making small games.

And these studios don't cost that much money. Remember insomniac's 200m purchase? Look at how that turned out.

 

[feynoob]

I think we need some sanity control.

 

[TheGodfather07]

Sony were the only ones against the deal? Well no fucking shit! They are direct competitors and have the most to lose here. Use your brains people. Whats the alternative? For them to be happy and for the deal? This is twitter level stupidity.

 

[feynoob]

You should give standup comedy a shot.

I think he will fail that department, if he does what he does here.
My best bet would be a cares salesman. Very persistent salesman, who will list you why this car is good for you.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

see...if you are not smart you gonna get fucked over....and without lube.

 

[reinking]

It's good for the industry. Things have been status quo for far too long and stale. Whichever way it goes one thing is for sure, Sony showed the world what a bunch of liars and hypocrites they are. The so called "gaming journalists" have shown their true colors since the deal was announced trying to write ANY doom and gloom article, they can manufacture to make MS look bad.

Would you be saying the same thing if this was Google or Apple buying up publishers?

 

[HerpDerpstreit]

Would you be saying the same thing if this was Google or Apple buying up publishers?

Google doesn't commit to any business model they have to put effort into. Google glasses, stadia and a few others have shown this.

Apple can't bind people to their ecosystem like they can with phones and that's why they aren't in gaming. Pre-cross play/save was the only time they could have conducted business the way they want to.

 

[The Pleasure]

You should give standup comedy a shot.

Only if I get to wear my ceremonial horse armor ownership with micro tomatos provided per purchase.

 

[reinking]

Google doesn't commit to any business model they have to put effort into. Google glasses, stadia and a few others have shown this.

Apple can't bind people to their ecosystem like they can with phones and that's why they aren't in gaming. Pre-cross play/save was the only time they could have conducted business the way they want to.

Do we want to start listing business ventures that MS has abandoned? /cries in Zune

Just substitute Google with Amazon or any other company with a big enough war chest. I am just curious about F fred420170 view of shaking up the industry if it is another outside company stepping in to do it. I would almost prefer it to be another company. IMO, MS buying is not going to do much in that regard other than the potential to remove titles from competitors. It is not like MS does not have access to those titles now.

 

[DarkMage619]

Sony were the only ones against the deal? Well no fucking shit! They are direct competitors and have the most to lose here. Use your brains people. Whats the alternative? For them to be happy and for the deal? This is twitter level stupidity.

Pretty much the entire tech industry was against the Nvidia/ARM deal including most regulatory agencies. This deal is not that. This is about one company who is already doing the well vs Activision employees, other gaming developers, Xbox customers, unions, cloud services companies and even a fellow console maker Nintendo. Plenty of people are happy about this deal.

Do we want to start listing business ventures that MS has abandoned? /cries in Zune

Not Xbox though. Like someone thoughtfully mentioned earlier 20+ years in this industry and despite detractors complaints they are still here.

People also should stop acting like MS is taking anything away from anyone. Any game already released on other platforms continue to be supported. In some cases MS puts their IP on other platforms as well, far more than any other platform owner.

 

[Aguero9320]

Sony were the only ones against the deal? Well no fucking shit! They are direct competitors and have the most to lose here. Use your brains people. Whats the alternative? For them to be happy and for the deal? This is twitter level stupidity.

Feel like you maybe missed the point here?

Not sure anyone is surprised Sony were opposed, it's more about the fact no one else was.

 

[Bernoulli]

Check back next Wednesday.. big things coming..

what is happening on the 26?

 

[Jemm]

what is happening on the 26?

Meltdowns

 

[adamsapple]

Relevant to this topic.

 

[feynoob]

Was wondering when will MS do their lobbying.
https://delawarevalleyjournal.com/h...ision-deal-is-her-most-absurd-power-grab-yet/

For those who don't want to click.

Since her appointment to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Lina Khan has used her position as chair to wage war on America's most successful businesses. Khan's targets have included everyone from McDonald's (for broken ice cream machines–really) to tech companies to the aero defense industry, which were all allegedly "too big" to meet her arbitrary standards. Most recently, Khan has set her sights on Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc., the gaming company that produces Call of Duty.

Microsoft–an American company–manufactures the popular gaming console Xbox. Buying Activision would bring a host of new game offerings to existing Xbox users, allow subscribers to use multiple devices with a single fee, and support the creators at Activision with a broader consumer base.

Yet as 2022 ended, the FTC filed a lawsuit to block the $68.7 billion deal. According to the FTC's website, the acquisition "would enable Microsoft to suppress competitors to its Xbox gaming consoles and its rapidly growing subscription content and cloud-gaming business."

That should leave one to wonder: Who is this competition allegedly about to be crushed by a merged Microsoft/Activision?

As it turns out, the competition that Lina Khan seeks to protect is the Japanese company Sony, whose PlayStation gaming system currently makes up about 70 percent of the global console market.

Sony's PlayStation has dominated the electronic gaming market for years. Upon hearing it may be subject to stronger American competition through Microsoft's potential merger, it immediately cried foul. "Microsoft might release a PlayStation version of Call of Duty where bugs and errors emerge only on the game's final level or after later updates," read a corporate memo after the announcement. Sony even insinuated Microsoft would pull Call of Duty (COD) from the PlayStation platform completely.

These "concerns" were apparently sufficient to persuade Khan to attack a U.S. company – even at the expense of solidifying the already dominant market share of a Japanese one. But the allegations couldn't be further from the truth. Microsoft has been ready "since day one, to enter an agreement with Sony to ensure that [Call of Duty] remains on PlayStation" and has offered multiple solutions to "guarantee parity between the PlayStation and Xbox platforms in respect of [Call of Duty]."

Furthermore, Microsoft has admitted that taking COD Xbox-only would be unsustainable. "The reality is that the strategy of retaining Activision Blizzard's games by not distributing them in rival console shops would simply not be profitable for Microsoft."

Even if Microsoft did plan to take the blockbuster game exclusive, that would hardly justify the government stepping in to block a merger that would help an American company compete with foreign rivals–especially when the governments of those foreign rivals are already weaponizing their trade authorities against our companies.

As Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) noted in a hearing recently, "In Japan, they'll take antitrust action against American tech companies, but then they'll support policies that crowd out competition for the United States despite commitments that have been made in the Japan Digital Trade agreement. We see this in the gaming markets, where Japan appears to ignore some of these anti-competitive actions from Japanese companies, which suppress some of our major U.S. providers. I think this is a violation of its digital trade commitments, yet we haven't seen action from the USTR".

Is this perhaps the influence of Sony's lobbyists trying to block America's access to the Japanese market while simultaneously tying our hands here at home?

Sony's duplicitous advocacy is even more striking when considering how their company has received significant revenues from carrying games exclusively, which they now (falsely) accuse others of attempting to do. Unfortunately, Biden's FTC is now lasering in on the American company, taking the same side as Japan's trade representatives.

The Biden administration says it supports economic growth but is doing everything it can to make America less competitive.

 

[feynoob]

For the lazy people, here is a simple paragraph about that article.

The FTC's chair, Lina Khan, has targeted Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, claiming it would harm competition in the gaming industry, particularly against Sony's PlayStation. However, Microsoft has offered solutions to ensure parity between the PlayStation and Xbox platforms in respect of Call of Duty, and even admitted that taking the game exclusive would be unsustainable. This move by the FTC is seen as blocking American companies from competing with foreign rivals, while foreign governments are already weaponizing their trade authorities against US companies. Sony's lobbying efforts may also be a factor in this decision.

 

[feynoob]

what is happening on the 26?

Cma decision.
We will see whether they approve the deal or block the deal.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Pretty much the entire tech industry was against the Nvidia/ARM deal including most regulatory agencies. This deal is not that. This is about one company who is already doing the well vs Activision employees, other gaming developers, Xbox customers, unions, cloud services companies and even a fellow console maker Nintendo. Plenty of people are happy about this deal.


Not Xbox though. Like someone thoughtfully mentioned earlier 20+ years in this industry and despite detractors complaints they are still here.

People also should stop acting like MS is taking anything away from anyone. Any game already released on other platforms continue to be supported. In some cases MS puts their IP on other platforms as well, far more than any other platform owner.

Because the entire tech industry had something to lose when there would be such a hostile consolidation of open source licensing for microprocessors. An industry that is very narrow as it is with only a handful of players controlling the cream of the crop.

Google uses ARM, Apple uses ARM, Samsung, Sony, Microsoft and every other electronics wanting open source CPUs under the sun.

Goodness, you're such a disingenuous shill.

 

[PaintTinJr]

...

People also should stop acting like MS is taking anything away from anyone. Any game already released on other platforms continue to be supported. In some cases MS puts their IP on other platforms as well, far more than any other platform owner.

For any company that isn't a $2T company like Microsoft, what is the incentive to compete and build natural success - like all other platforms, except Xbox have, since the beginning of the established gaming market began?

That is what is being taken away from everyone in gaming, and if this deal goes through anyone that cares about real competition in the industry - based on creative success - might as well wave the white flag to mega corps.

ATVI has massively benefitted to become the $70b company they are as a direct result of PlayStation growing the high-end gaming market to what it is today, and in future PlayStation or another "real" competitor would see they have incentive to control and steal market share from their fellow large stakeholders to avoid them getting too big, too powerful and them being on the receiving end of anti-competitive acquisition like this again, which makes for a shitty scenario for the industry in the future IMHO.

So, yeah, a massive loss, actually

 

[feynoob]

Goodness, you're such a disingenuous shill.

That is not a shill. Colteastwood is a shill. Even that guy admits something is wrong with Xbox.
DarkMage619 is different kind of person.
He seems like skinner

 

[Elios83]

Cma decision.
We will see whether they approve the deal or block the deal.

It's really hard to imagine they'll block the deal, that ship has sailed when they dropped the console SLC theory (right or not).
An other U-turn on that would be hilarious and absurd.
They could block just because of the cloud market SLC concerns but it seems really unlikely given that competitors in this market have accepted to make deals with MS.
So it's more about the remedies they're gonna ask.
How much more they'll ask if any over what Microsoft has already committed to publicly.

 

[feynoob]

It's really hard to imagine they'll block the deal, that ship has sailed when they dropped the console SLC theory (right or not).
An other U-turn on that would be hilarious and absurd.
It's more about the remedies they're gonna ask.
It's about how much more they'll ask over what Microsoft has offered publicly.

Never say never. No expected CMA to do that U-turn first. Most of us though the deal was dead once they published their provisional findings in phase one.

 

[DarkMage619]

For any company that isn't a $2T company like Microsoft, what is the incentive to compete and build natural success - like all other platforms, except Xbox have, since the beginning of the established gaming market began?

That is what is being taken away from everyone in gaming, and if this deal goes through anyone that cares about real competition in the industry - based on creative success - might as well wave the white flag to mega corps.

ATVI has massively benefitted to become the $70b company they are as a direct result of PlayStation growing the high-end gaming market to what it is today, and in future PlayStation or another "real" competitor would see they have incentive to control and steal market share from their fellow large stakeholders to avoid them getting too big, too powerful and them being on the receiving end of anti-competitive acquisition like this again, which makes for a shitty scenario for the industry in the future IMHO.

So, yeah, a massive loss, actually

Sony is also a mega corp you concerned about what they are doing in the industry? I am pretty sure I know the answer. The organic/natural growth argument is yet another arbitrary metric Xbox critics toss out to score points on forums. There is nothing anticompetitive when the last place competitor does a vertical merger to gain market share and increased game making capacity.

As I've already mentioned numerous other businesses and interests benefit from this deal. When the biggest opponents are non customers and the market leader yet pretty much every other market participant is supportive you know this deal has massive benefits to most people.

That is not a shill. Colteastwood is a shill. Even that guy admits something is wrong with Xbox.
DarkMage619 is different kind of person.
He seems like skinner

Shill is a pejorative tossed around when people lack the mental capacity to make an actual coherent argument. People that name call and try to be internet tough guys aren't generally worth engaging with in the first place.

This thread is about the merger and I happen to think it is good for Xbox customers and many other entities in this industry. If you disagree feel free to make a logical argument for your position.

That thing is that most arguments I've heard against the deal basically amount to 'its not fair to Sony', or 'Nintendo doesn't really count in this space', or 'MS could potentially, maybe become a monopoly in gaming one day!' I am unimpressed with these arguments. Simple as that.

 

[adamsapple]

This topic RN.

 

[Jimmyisback]

One thing is clear, Sony is really the only company against the deal and it certainly wasn't because they were concerned about the industry. Far more entities benefit than Sony possibly losing some money. Looking forward to seeing what happens next week. Hoping regulators continue to realize this deal breaks no laws and the market leader will be just fine regardless.

Yep. Sony can cry and whine all they want. Deal is gonna go through whether they want it to or not.

 

[emivita]

I think we need some sanity control.

Thanks for the nightmares I'll have tonight.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

It is certainly good for Xbox customers and Activision employees.

not for those who are going to be fired.

 

[feynoob]

Shill is a pejorative tossed around when people lack the mental capacity to make an actual coherent argument. People that name call and try to be internet tough guys aren't generally worth engaging with in the first place.

This thread is about the merger and I happen to think it is good for Xbox customers and many other entities in this industry. If you disagree feel free to make a logical argument for your position.

That thing is that most arguments I've heard against the deal basically amount to 'its not fair to Sony', or 'Nintendo doesn't really count in this space', or 'MS could potentially, maybe become a monopoly in gaming one day!' I am unimpressed with these arguments. Simple as that.

You don't display a shill tendency. I think you are just out of topic and don't see outside perspective.

It's why I compared to you to that meme. You need to voice the positive with negative outcome. Don't lean to 1 side, while leaving it the other side.

No one will take you seriously if you keep doing that.

 

[feynoob]

One of things we have to deal as a pc gamers.



you Xbox fans don't know how much MS is treating us.

 

[GHG]

No one will take you seriously if you keep doing that.

We're already well past that stage, the ship has sailed.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

One of things we have to deal as a pc gamers.



you Xbox fans don't know how much MS is treating us.

Tom Warrin should know MS's track record with Windows.

 

[GHG]

One of things we have to deal as a pc gamers.



you Xbox fans don't know how much MS is treating us.

I just forget it exists and purchase the few games I want from them on Steam.

Problem solved.

 

[MasterCornholio]

We're already well past that stage, the ship has sailed.

Yep it's how he got the label. But mods here are pretty fair with those. I'm sure if he changes they will remove it.

 

[Varteras]

Relevant to this topic.

Was wondering when will MS do their lobbying.
https://delawarevalleyjournal.com/h...ision-deal-is-her-most-absurd-power-grab-yet/

For those who don't want to click.

She lost me when she tried to push for unchecked power in making determinations and demanded auto-blocking any deal over $5 billion.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

Yep it's how he got the label. But mods here are pretty fair with those. I'm sure if he changes they will remove it.

wait a minute... i thought those labels were like paying for twitter.

you pay and you could choose what to write there.

 

[feynoob]

I just forget it exists and purchase the few games I want from them on Steam.

Problem solved.

I do the same thing.
Can't say the same thing with gamepass.

Last time, I downloaded gears 5. Tried to uninstall it from my computer. Left with minimum storage, because the file of that game was hidden some where and I was short of few spaces.

I had to clean reset to get that shit away from my computer.