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[Topher]

Us. Honestly I hope MS or Sony try an acquisition every year just so we can carry on getting all these glimpses into how they operate.

Post of the year

 

[Nydius]

So who is winning this battle in court so far?

Yeah, I'm not going to try and predict a winner. Not after the weird way the CMA situation went down. Literally everyone thought Microsoft had that decision in the bag.

Pretty much the only person who wins either way is Bobby Kotick because no merger = $3B and a golden parachute, approved merger = $69B and a bigger golden parachute.

 

[DrFigs]

Us. Honestly I hope MS or Sony try an acquisition every year just so we can carry on getting all these glimpses into how they operate.

true.

 

[tryDEATH]

So who is winning this battle in court so far?

GamePass user.

Everyone else is just whining.

 

[Sanepar]

I think Microsoft will skirt the injunction, if I'm honest.

Microsoft will still have to contend with the CMA, but I fear the hubris they'll be given here will cause them to say fuck 'em and close the deal anyway.

I just think this whole thing sets in motion an era of gaming wherein nobody wins...but..In a sense, I feel like..I don't know how to say this, but I'll try--

You know how, many years ago, Nintendo surfaced from the ashes with the NES and became the name you knew for gaming for years?

I wonder if they'll do it again. They seem to be on the sidelines, just kinda doing their own thing and watching these two giants eat each other.

Hell, I thought their recent Direct stomped both MS and Sony.

The only reason why they were rushing this trial is to close the deal before July 17th and deal with any fines from CMA later. But not doubt in the next 2 weeks they will close this deal. Look to the stock going close to 90 again.

 

[Eotheod]

I mean, they state explicitly that they 'can't win' and have proposed internally using the allocated XBOX budget and just going the mobile route.

I think that what they're most afraid of is the PR blow back. What's sad to me is that the influencer space, knowing what we know now, looks like it was set up to quell dissent of the eventual move from console to mobile.

It's clear that they are losing a ton of money. And while I'm sure some shill will remind us of Microsoft's market cap, it's clear that XBOX as a division is a gargantuan money sink. This 70 Billion feels like the end of the line. A last ditch effort. If this deal fails, the gaming industry is going to shift. Thankfully, XBOX's presence and therefore impact, is minimal. Minimal to the point where outside of the US I doubt it'll be felt.

That would be incredibly bad for everyone, even if the market outside of US is Sony dominant. What needs to happen is Microsoft needs to compete appropriately and with intent to actually build a good library.

Cloud isn't happening anytime soon, and people are kidding themselves if they think it'll be any better in 10 years time. It's a very specific, infrastructure required option for gamers and relies heavily on country capabilities. Heck, here in Australia we had a hard enough time just laying some bloody cable, to the point I had to go Starlink because I'm never seeing good speeds otherwise.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

So who is winning this battle in court so far?

I would say Bobby Kotick.

Acquisition goes through, he wins, a $400 million golden parachute and a middle finger to anyone who doubted him.

Acquisition fails, he wins, a $3 billion breakup fee for his company, he remains in control, and a middle finger to anyone who doubted him.

 

[DeepEnigma]

There's arguments for and against certain things.

I mean, I do not want this deal to go through, if I'm honest. I like Xbox, I do. I just don't like the whole "We're in last place here! In everything else, we're not. Fuck it, buy everyone out!!"

That's the real rub in all this, isn't it?

They think we're all stupid, just some are more stupid than others.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

And here's the key email exchange that determined the path that we all ended up on.

Phil said our final offer is CoD on PS until 2027 (after which presumably it goes Xbox exclusive), Jim said fuck you no we want perpetuity and also backtrack on all Bethesda going exclusive or we go to war

And...that set the stage for the current courtroom entertainment we're been getting the last 2 weeks

 

[Nydius]

That's the real rub in all this, isn't it?

They think we're all stupid, just some are more stupid than others.

Judging by the fact that there are still people in here who genuinely believe Microsoft is going to give the UK the middle finger, "close the deal", and just "pay the fines" (which would literally be in the millions of dollars per day, every day) to avoid the CMA's ruling tells me there's a whole lot of stupid still going around.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

Judging by the fact that there are still people in here who genuinely believe Microsoft is going to give the UK the middle finger, "close the deal", and just "pay the fines" (which would literally be in the millions of dollars per day, every day) to avoid the CMA's ruling tells me there's a whole lot of stupid still going around.

Somewhere in Redmond, someone is seriously studying what Illumina did and trying to determine if they can actually pull it off themselves and get away with it. I guarantee you that this is being looked at. MS is a company which is used to getting their way and they don't care about the sovereignty of nation states, they are more powerful than the governments of 96% of all nations. They just need to figure out if the UK government is in the 4% or not.

 

[Eotheod]

Isn't that common business approach? They'd no doubt have market expectations and estimates, which would in turn dictate a low or high metric. I don't know, that just seems "normal" I guess?

 

[DrFigs]

Isn't that common business approach? They'd no doubt have market expectations and estimates, which would in turn dictate a low or high metric. I don't know, that just seems "normal" I guess?

Yeah it seems fine. Just kind of throwing xbox under the bus, given how apparently good revenue is compared to nintendo.

 

[Freelance Yakuza]

Isn't that common business approach? They'd no doubt have market expectations and estimates, which would in turn dictate a low or high metric. I don't know, that just seems "normal" I guess?

Nah, I just thought it was funny

 

[93xfan]

Perhaps a good sign

 

[adamsapple]

So who is winning this battle in court so far?

The Verge. They're getting a shit load of exclusive scoops and getting name dropped in the hearing by the lawyers.

 

[Vognerful]

So who is winning this battle in court so far?

People who did not follow the trial.

on another note, I really hate how this place will look like when the FTC PI is done.

if the judge rule for FTC, "This is bullshit! they had no case! they are ruling just to satisfy Sony. Hoe did they not read the emails ?!"

if for Microsoft, "The FTC is useless and there is no integrity in the US judicial system. How did they not read the emails?!"

 

[DeepEnigma]

The Verge. They're getting a shit load of exclusive scoops and getting name dropped in the hearing by the lawyers.

It's called shilling.

 

[Freelance Yakuza]

Only when they screwed up and it got harder and more expensive for them to make so many deals did the narrative change to exclusives being evil and bad for gaming for Xbox and their shills, who were perfectly fine before bragging about their previous exclusives. Let's not forget that Xbox still made those exact same deals, just to a lesser extent.

Never forget that Microsoft had deals with Activision for years, so the Xbox 360 could get the DLC for COD first. When the PlayStation 4's installed base became significantly higher than the Xbox One, Sony got the deal for themselves. This is probably when Microsoft started to complain about how exclusives are bad, lmao.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Never forget that Microsoft had deals with Activision for years, so the Xbox 360 could get the DLC for COD first. When the PlayStation 4's installed base became significantly higher than the Xbox One, Sony got the deal for themselves. This is probably when Microsoft started to complain about how exclusives are bad, lmao.

 

[thicc_girls_are_teh_best]

So who is winning this battle in court so far?

Bobby was the FTC's best witness, to probably everyone's surprise.

He finally won something that wasn't a SH lawsuit

People who did not follow the trial.

on another note, I really hate how this place will look like when the FTC PI is done.

if the judge rule for FTC, "This is bullshit! they had no case! they are ruling just to satisfy Sony. Hoe did they not read the emails ?!"

if for Microsoft, "The FTC is useless and there is no integrity in the US judicial system. How did they not read the emails?!"

I honestly don't care which way the judge rules. If the FTC had their concerns with the judge, they could've chosen a different one. So they must feel confident in Judge Corley's assessment skills, and their own case to argue in favor of the block.

All I know is, truth-seeking gamers have already won. So many of Microsoft's BS lies, tactics, and intents have been exposed and they can't pretend like it didn't happen. In spite of all that, in spite of MS's tactics dancing for public sentiment and dirty FUD campaigns to push for the deal, the failures of upper management...I still see good things here and there for Xbox as a gaming platform, potentially.

But that's only if they finally clean up their act, get over their hate (trust me, this is genuine hatred. Well beyond simply a friendly or heated rivalry) for Sony & PlayStation, stop being petty and prideful, stop being entitled. And that is the biggest thing to doubt they will ever do.

 

[bender]

It's called shilling.

Look who you are replaying to.

 

[LiquidRex]

So no argument as to not having Mario on Gamepass then. Sony is the only bad guy for its exclusives according to Microsoft.

 

[DestinRL]

Imma do a Xbox Fanboy journalist tier list for funsies.

1) Jez Corden (Greatest fanboy)
2) Destin Legarie
3) Tom Warren
4) Ryan Mcaffrey ( Weakest fanboy)

Damn, I gotta get these rookie numbers up.

 

[Freelance Yakuza]

People in the PlayStation OT in Resetera are calling out that place for being biased. Negative news about Xbox are being locked or merged with the Acquisition thread.

One member even talked back to a mod (Transistor) in the last page (Page 106)

There's a few people talking back to Transistor now. Good. The people there are fed up.

Great summary of what is happening.

 

[LiquidRex]

Just a little reminder... Someone on here touched on this... https://www.eurogamer.net/after-five-years-of-xbox-exclusivity-call-of-duty-switches-to-playstation

 

[drganon]

Never watching it but was his skin glowing this time?

He's got a face for radio and a voice for silent movies.

 

[SirTerry-T]

Bobby was the FTC's best witness, to probably everyone's surprise.

He finally won something that wasn't a SH lawsuit



I honestly don't care which way the judge rules. If the FTC had their concerns with the judge, they could've chosen a different one. So they must feel confident in Judge Corley's assessment skills, and their own case to argue in favor of the block.

All I know is, truth-seeking gamers have already won. So many of Microsoft's BS lies, tactics, and intents have been exposed and they can't pretend like it didn't happen. In spite of all that, in spite of MS's tactics dancing for public sentiment and dirty FUD campaigns to push for the deal, the failures of upper management...I still see good things here and there for Xbox as a gaming platform, potentially.

But that's only if they finally clean up their act, get over their hate (trust me, this is genuine hatred. Well beyond simply a friendly or heated rivalry) for Sony & PlayStation, stop being petty and prideful, stop being entitled. And that is the biggest thing to doubt they will ever do.

No offense but I think you take this shite way too seriously, you're going to give yourself an ulcer pal.

 

[LiquidRex]

Is it true internal documents revealed Redfall cost 250 million to make?

 

[Bernardougf]

Is it true internal documents revealed Redfall cost 250 million to make?

Thats 8.3 million per fps ...

 

[Freelance Yakuza]

Just a little reminder... Someone on here touched on this... https://www.eurogamer.net/after-five-years-of-xbox-exclusivity-call-of-duty-switches-to-playstation

The business realities of Microsoft’s Tomb Raider exclusive

Deal reduces risk for the publisher, increases appeal for the console maker.

arstechnica.com

This article reminded me about Titanfall and Tomb Raider exclusivities

Microsoft: any game can come to Xbox One, despite parity clause

Microsoft's Xbox One parity clause has caused a lot of confusion - both among the developers it relates to and gamers t…

www.eurogamer.net

and this about the parity clause

Microsoft confirms Rise of the Tomb Raider Xbox exclusivity deal "has a duration"

Xbox boss Phil Spencer has confirmed to Eurogamer that Microsoft's controversial exclusivity deal for Rise of the Tomb …

www.eurogamer.net

Don't forget they tried to hide it was a timed exclusive

 

[Wulfer]

Microsoft

I'd agree, given the pros and cons of the case. FTC came with no teeth.

Tomorrow can still change things so, no one is in the clear until Monday!

 

[Pimpbaa]

If this does happen, how early can we expect Activision Blizzard titles to appear on game pass?

 

[thicc_girls_are_teh_best]

Great summary of what is happening.

If they want ideas on the moderator of that thread, try this one: Judge.

Dude has Xbox Ambassador merchandise splattered on his Twitter .

I'm not saying he's absolutely the moderator in that thread (they prob have multiple), but it's a very good guess.

No offense but I think you take this shite way too seriously, you're going to give yourself an ulcer pal.

Nah, I've got great ways to moderate any stress. Healthy eating, exercise, lots of time outdoors with great weather...stress mostly melts away before it can stick.

The people who should really chill out over this are Florian Mueller and the armchair Twitter lawyers he's inspired.

 

[Bernardougf]

If this does happen, how early can we expect Activision Blizzard titles to appear on game pass?

Ask bobby it seems his all for it

 

[Rubim]

When you can gain back 1B$+ in a week from it ?, doubt it

Sony court blunder reveals $200M cost of The Last of Us 2, Horizon Forbidden West

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard’s FTC hearing is pulling back the curtain of the highly secretive industry

www.polygon.com

Does this helps you now understand it? Halo Infinite was over 200 million as well.

 

[DForce]

Imma do a Xbox Fanboy journalist tier list for funsies.

1) Jez Corden (Greatest fanboy)
2) Destin Legarie
3) Tom Warren
4) Ryan Mcaffrey ( Weakest fanboy)

I bet this triggered him.

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

It's hard to picture a world where they would not

I bet this triggered him.

Don't worry Destin

Microsoft loves you. And that's all that matters. The only important thing in life right now is that Microsoft acquires Activision, as is their godly birthright. We could only be so blessed.

Stay green my friend

 

[bender]

I bet this triggered him.

 

[DForce]

Damn, I gotta get these rookie numbers up.

When most of your recent comments on GAF are you criticizing Sony.

 

[Wulfer]

Bobby was the FTC's best witness, to probably everyone's surprise.

He finally won something that wasn't a SH lawsuit



I honestly don't care which way the judge rules. If the FTC had their concerns with the judge, they could've chosen a different one. So they must feel confident in Judge Corley's assessment skills, and their own case to argue in favor of the block.

All I know is, truth-seeking gamers have already won. So many of Microsoft's BS lies, tactics, and intents have been exposed and they can't pretend like it didn't happen. In spite of all that, in spite of MS's tactics dancing for public sentiment and dirty FUD campaigns to push for the deal, the failures of upper management...I still see good things here and there for Xbox as a gaming platform, potentially.

But that's only if they finally clean up their act, get over their hate (trust me, this is genuine hatred. Well beyond simply a friendly or heated rivalry) for Sony & PlayStation, stop being petty and prideful, stop being entitled. And that is the biggest thing to doubt they will ever do.

I'd add take a class on how to redact documents! AKA "Can I see those docs before you post them?"

 

[BlueLyria]

Wait guys, I'm not American, who's Destin and why should I care about him?

 

[IFireflyl]

Wait guys, I'm not American, who's Destin...

Nobody.

...and why should I care about him?

You shouldn't.

 

[drganon]

I bet this triggered him.

What a pathetic bitch.

 

[DForce]

Wait guys, I'm not American, who's Destin and why should I care about him?

He works for IGN, but he has a heavy bias towards Xbox.

So when it comes to reporting news, he's rarely going to give an unbiased opinion when it comes to Xbox and Sony. Someone with his platform shouldn't display favoritism.

 

[BlueLyria]

He works for IGN, but he has a heavy bias towards Xbox.

So when it comes to reporting news, he's rarely going to give an unbiased opinion when it comes to Xbox and Sony. Someone with his platform shouldn't display favoritism.

All you needed to say was that he works for IGN lol
Have we forgotten the mantra? "Can't spell ignorant without IGN"

 

[Kilau]

The business realities of Microsoft’s Tomb Raider exclusive

Deal reduces risk for the publisher, increases appeal for the console maker.

arstechnica.com

This article reminded me about Titanfall and Tomb Raider exclusivities

Microsoft: any game can come to Xbox One, despite parity clause

Microsoft's Xbox One parity clause has caused a lot of confusion - both among the developers it relates to and gamers t…

www.eurogamer.net

and this about the parity clause

Microsoft confirms Rise of the Tomb Raider Xbox exclusivity deal "has a duration"

Xbox boss Phil Spencer has confirmed to Eurogamer that Microsoft's controversial exclusivity deal for Rise of the Tomb …

www.eurogamer.net

Don't forget they tried to hide it was a timed exclusive

Remember when Netflix was Xbox console exclusive? You also had to have a gold account to use the app. They did the same with HBO Go and espn.

This poor MS just trying to compete shtick is really aggravating.

 

[RyanEvans21]

Remember when Netflix was Xbox console exclusive? You also had to have a gold account to use the app. They did the same with HBO Go and espn.

This poor MS just trying to compete shtick is really aggravating

Also you need Gold account to play free to play games.

 

[93xfan]

Never forget that Microsoft had deals with Activision for years, so the Xbox 360 could get the DLC for COD first. When the PlayStation 4's installed base became significantly higher than the Xbox One, Sony got the deal for themselves. This is probably when Microsoft started to complain about how exclusives are bad, lmao.

One month early dlc vs a year when Sony made the deal.

Maybe I'm forgetting something, but at their worst I believe MS did a 1 year timed exclusive on a major franchise (Tomb Raider).

Sony made deals to get even bigger games from established franchises (Street Fighter 5, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Trilogy and Final Fantasy 16) only on PlayStation as permanent exclusives.

 

[Kilau]

Also you need Gold account to play free to play games.

They did finally remove the gold requirement for F2P games about 2 years ago.