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

Do you believe the deal will be approved?

  • Yes, will be approved without changes.

    Votes: 221 24.9%

  • Yes, will be approved but with structural changes to ABK.

    Votes: 102 11.5%

  • Yes, will be approved but only with behavioral concessions.

    Votes: 262 29.6%

  • No, will not be approved.

    Votes: 301 34.0%
  • Total voters
    886
  • Poll closed .
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Im subscribed to a lot of things. Most of those things were cheap as hell for a certain amount of time. After that I'm probably dropping most of them or dropping down to a lower tier. I haven't found any service I absolutely needed yet.
 
gametimedecision said:
Let's say he agrees with you and doesn't accept the reasoning is grounded in reality.

What happens next

He quashes the deal? If they have to restart does it still take as long as before?
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His first option, as stated in the back of the decision, is that the CMA have stated they can still defend the JR(judicial review appeal) or keeping going with the new RMS, but not both, so he would just make the current document final decision in all likelihood and set a 6month schedule to let them defend it properly, or he could presumably rule on the JR and state the whole merger needs a full reset back to phase one IMO.
 
Banjo64 said:
But he was also keen to stress that legality didn't mean strictly a watertight, legally binding agreement from what I remember.

e.g a firm offer could be an email from Phil Spencer or Egg saying 'we have found company Y who have agreed to purchase X part of the business and due diligence is ongoing'

As I say, that's just the impression I had listening in as an every day dipshit.
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Having read the wording in the conditional adjournment decision, IMO he his talking about their findings don't need to withstand a ruling of legality, but their process to arrive at it does, so the first look decision making, has to not look like it obviously fails their tests to appease the SLC and look like a new merger.
 
PaintTinJr said:
His first option, as stated in the back of the decision, is that the CMA have stated they can still defend the JR(judicial review appeal) or keeping going with the new RMS, but not both, so he would just make the current document final decision in all likelihood and set a 6month schedule to let them defend it properly, or he could presumably rule on the JR and state the whole merger needs a full reset back to phase one IMO.
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You are putting too much faith in this guy. I suggest you dont disappoint yourself.
 
havoc00 said:
I except the world and get more with ms
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SomeGit said:
I don't agree with that, sorry. I guess I'll have to stop here cause otherwise we'll just go in circles.

Any additional expense would be this, but in any case, but I can't agree with the "suckered" part. Lots of games I picked up over the year of Steam sales that I barely touched, I still don't feel "suckered". I knew fully well what I signed up for. As long as you can still access the content at any time, if I resub or buy the base game again, I don't feel get.

I feel get when they shut off the servers or remove the ability of access the DLC with the base game. Or shit like loot boxes or battle passes that expire and you are unable to get content. There's plenty of example of predatory monetization but I don't know, I can't agree with the ones listed.
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The examples you're citing of purchasing games outright are not the same, not even close. What you're doing is akin to telling a cigarette addict that they should have known what they were getting themselves into and that cigarettes aren't that bad. The decisions being made at the point of that first puff are not the same as when someone is on their 10th fag of the day 3 years down the line.

Banjo64 said:
GHG GHG I can't help but notice the similar writing style now you've highlighted it :messenger_loudly_crying:
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There is something very inorganic about the way these discussions evolve. The moment some negative aspects of gamepass (and potential long term pitfalls) get discussed it's like moths to flame. No matter what examples you give the responses twist and filter themselves through sentence structures as if written by a bot specifically for the purpose of marketing and defending gamepass.

I even confessed my gaming sins and outlined where I've been a sucker in the past and the response can be summarised as "nah, it's not that bad, you knew what you were getting, you're not a sucker, don't think about it too much just consoome". They must really want to sell as many as possible of those ultimate edition add-on packs to gamepass members huh?
 
PaintTinJr said:
Wow, you have really been conditioned by xbox's expect less, expect them next year and don't expect games. Or is that just your Arsenal conditioning kicking in? :)
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I am more of reality person. Laws only exist for poor people.
People with money will simply get what they want, as long as they pay the right people. That is how it work in reality.
 
GHG said:
The examples you're citing of purchasing games outright are not the same, not even close. What you're doing is akin to telling a cigarette addict that they should have known what they were getting themselves into and that cigarettes aren't that bad. The decisions being made at the point of that first puff are not the same as when someone is on their 10th fag of the day 3 years down the line.
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You think my example is not close yet you bring in substance abuse. I rest my case.

GHG said:
I even confessed my gaming sins and outlined where I've been a sucker in the past and the response can be summarised as "nah, it's not that bad, you knew what you were getting, you're not a sucker, don't think about it too much just consoome". They must really want to sell as many as possible of those ultimate edition add-on packs to gamepass members huh?
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Like, man, your regrets are your own. The whole point is that you should understand what you "consoome", have restrain and maybe you'll won't end up projecting your past remorses in a gaming forum.
 
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SomeGit said:
You think my example is not close yet you bring in substance abuse. I rest my case.



Like, man, your regrets are your own. The whole point is that you should understand what you "consoome", have restrain and maybe you'll won't end up projecting your past remorses in a gaming forum.
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Yeh I have the ability to recognise where I've gone wrong along with being able to identify and acknowledge the external mechanics that might have been influential factors at the time. In doing so that prevents the same thing from happening again (hence I will never purchase DLC for a game I only have access to on a subscription service and I would never recommend anyone else does).

Not for everyone, clearly.
 
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GHG said:
Yeh I have the ability to recognise where I've gone wrong along with being able to identify and acknowledge the external mechanics that might have been influential factors at the time. In doing so that prevents the same thing from happening again (hence I will never purchase DLC for a game I only have access to on a subscription service and I would never recommend anyone else does).

Not for everyone, clearly.
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And you have the inability to accept that other don't have that problem, and if someone hold that opinion it's either a sucker, a bot or a shill.
I never said you were wrong, I never said your opinion is without merit, I never said you are an idiot, the only thing I've been saying is, I don't agree with you.
Maybe I should have said, I think you have no restrain, is the discussion now better? Are petty insults making my point?

Maybe I just have the ability to present my point without passive aggressive remark or thinking I'm the center of the universe, not everyone has, clearly.
 
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PaintTinJr said:
Wow, you have really been conditioned by xbox's expect less, expect them next year and don't expect games. Or is that just your Arsenal conditioning kicking in? :)
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This seems to be hitting you really hard... Who hurt you?

Where is all of this coming from?

Did you not get an Xbox for Christmas one year and decided to swear off Microsoft?
 
SomeGit said:
And you have the inability to accept that other don't have that problem, and if someone hold that opinion it's either a sucker, a bot or a shill.
I think you have no restrain, is the discussion now better? Are petty insults making my point?
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Well clearly you're getting frustrated. What's wrong, upsetting your assignment am I?

I think you need to tell everyone why it's good for people to purchase DLC for games they don't own again before we can start talking about the prospects of this discussion. That's what we're here for isn't it?

And for the record, it's not "either", unfortunately those traits don't tend to be binary, seen that more than enough times.
 
During Ubisoft's latest investor briefing this week, CEO Yves Guillemot was asked for his thoughts around Microsoft's deal to buy Activision Blizzard, and he's a fan. He said the deal helps show how valuable IP is. Not only that, but Guillemot said Microsoft looking to buy Activision Blizzard in part for its mobile game business with King and Candy Crush helps to validate Ubisoft's own investments in the mobile market.

"I think it's good news that the transaction can go through because it really shows the power of IPs, and where the industry is going. So there will be lots of opportunities in the future for all the companies," he said. "It also shows the value of IPs that can be on console and PC, but also mobile and become more worldwide brands. That's a fantastic opportunity. Microsoft is saying that the mobile part of the Activision deal is important. So all the investment we are making to be stronger on mobile is also in line with that."

www.gamespot.com

Ubisoft Loves That Microsoft Is Buying Activision, And Here's Why

CEO Yves Guillemot believes the deal is a good thing and shows that Ubisoft is on the right path.
www.gamespot.com www.gamespot.com
 
GHG said:
Well clearly you're getting frustrated. What's wrong, upsetting your assignment am I?

I think you need to tell everyone why it's good for people to purchase DLC for games they don't own again before we can start talking about the prospects of this discussion. That's what we're here for isn't it?

And for the record, it's not "either", unfortunately those traits don't tend to be binary, seen that more than enough times.
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Maybe you should be careful with the iRacing withdrawl, the third week is the worst.
No, why would be upset with passive aggressive remarks when someone is trying to be as polite as possible, clearly I'm in the wrong. I should be insulting from the first post.

Bye man, say hello to my ignore list.
 
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havoc00 said:
During Ubisoft's latest investor briefing this week, CEO Yves Guillemot was asked for his thoughts around Microsoft's deal to buy Activision Blizzard, and he's a fan. He said the deal helps show how valuable IP is. Not only that, but Guillemot said Microsoft looking to buy Activision Blizzard in part for its mobile game business with King and Candy Crush helps to validate Ubisoft's own investments in the mobile market.

"I think it's good news that the transaction can go through because it really shows the power of IPs, and where the industry is going. So there will be lots of opportunities in the future for all the companies," he said. "It also shows the value of IPs that can be on console and PC, but also mobile and become more worldwide brands. That's a fantastic opportunity. Microsoft is saying that the mobile part of the Activision deal is important. So all the investment we are making to be stronger on mobile is also in line with that."

www.gamespot.com

Ubisoft Loves That Microsoft Is Buying Activision, And Here's Why

CEO Yves Guillemot believes the deal is a good thing and shows that Ubisoft is on the right path.
www.gamespot.com www.gamespot.com
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He can't wait for the juicy offers to buy out Ubisoft and save that company
 
Pop said:
*Approved by Microsoft👌

I don't know where you live but it's quite easy to resell physical gaming items. I am mainly against what gamepass will do to the industry much like what Netflix has done to the movie/show industry. Utter cheap garbage

Microsoft spending 80 Billion certainly helps GP but they had no hand in making that content. And it will most certainly reduce the overall money generated by these upcoming triple A games. Most will pay the $10 to play Starfield instead of $70 to own. But in the end Microsoft is treating Xbox as if they have unlimited money and are fine with burning it as long as they keep gaining ground in the subscription wars.
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Where I love (like I said) most people now buy digital.

That was my WHOLE point!
 


Bloomberg's summary of the current status of the FTC's stance on the deal.

While it's definatly looking more positive with the recent news, it's not so cut and dry.
 
GHG said:
So in short, the DLC that includes early access is more enticing to gamepass subscribers because the overall initial entry cost appears to be "cheaper" than if someone were to be purchasing the game outright, and that alone makes it more likely that someone on gamepass will purchase the required DLC to get early access. In fact, we saw this exact phenomenon taking place with Forza Horizon 5:

www.pcgamesn.com

Forza Horizon 5 has 800,000 players and it's not even out yet

Around 800,000 Forza Horizon 5 players shelled out for the special edition with early access, it seems.
www.pcgamesn.com www.pcgamesn.com

Thanks for proving my point.
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Presuming this individual you describe does not subscribe to gamepass just for a single title, this customer had the opportunity to experience all of the content offered at a reduced price ($30-$35). I just don't understand how this customer is somehow in worse situation VS someone who dropped $89-$99. I just snag the base game later when it is on deep sale.

This customer got to play on launch. This customer saved money compared to the person who paid in full on launch day. Where is the downside for a current gamepass subscriber?
 
GHG said:


Bloomberg's summary of the current status of the FTC's stance on the deal.

While it's definatly looking more positive with the recent news, it's not so cut and dry.
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Sigh, for everyone (and their own) sake, I hope FTC just let it stay dropped and don't file the case again.
 
GHG said:
The argument is that gamepass makes this aspect worse on 2 counts:

- the person who wants early access is also forced to purchase DLC sight unseen for a game they don't even have a permanent license for.
- people are more likely to say "fuck it" and pay whatever's required to get early access because it it appears "cheaper" than if you were to purchase the game anyway.

It's all a massive trap designed to prey on people's emotions but yet people are defending it. There is absolutely no way purchasing DLC for rented games is a logical purchase. Nobody in their right mind would pimp out their rental car or throw down money to renovate a home they don't own, the same applies here albeit on a much smaller scale.

I'm not even surprised, I was one of the few here pushing back against horse armour at the time and look where we are now. People are demonstrating that there's appetite to outright purchase DLC for games that they are renting, it's the start of a new huge slippery slope. I'll be first to say told you so when these guys start introducing "gamepass only" games.
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So can people not purchase starfield the traditional way if they wish?.
 
I remember the days that people in areas of the world who didnt have proper consumer protections in regards to returns would complain constantly about shelling out full price for a game that didn't meet their expectations and were stuck with it now.

Now we have avenues to access a vast selection of games for a set price a month with the option of buying it later and it's worse apparently.
 
GHG said:
Well clearly you're getting frustrated. What's wrong, upsetting your assignment am I?

I think you need to tell everyone why it's good for people to purchase DLC for games they don't own again before we can start talking about the prospects of this discussion. That's what we're here for isn't it?

And for the record, it's not "either", unfortunately those traits don't tend to be binary, seen that more than enough times.
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I think the main disconnect here is that if you take responsibility for your own spending habits it's fine.

"Hey I don't own X game, but I've finished it through game pass without an initial purchase, fuck it I'll buy the DLC because I i enjoyed X game so much. Knowing I can buy the main game later if I wish."

Edit. At a discounted price
 
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IDappa said:
I remember the days that people in areas of the world who didnt have proper consumer protections in regards to returns would complain constantly about shelling out full price for a game that didn't meet their expectations and were stuck with it now.

Now we have avenues to access a vast selection of games for a set price a month with the option of buying it later and it's worse apparently.
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For the vast majority of games it has no impact whatsoever because the vast majority of games are not on Game Pass. It is fine as a "try before you buy" option when available, but let's not overstate its impact on "consumer protections".
 
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Topher said:
For the vast majority of games it has no impact whatsoever because the vast majority of games are not on Game Pass. It is fine as a "try before you buy" option, but let's not overstate its impact on "consumer protections".
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Sorry I don't understand, personally I have all the consoles. Plus I have gamepass ultimate for the next few years. Gamepass has not stopped me from buying playstation, switch and xbox games. Hey if microsoft start going down a slippery road in regards to consumers and quality of the products I will definitely call that out. But I don't see a problem in its current form.
 
IDappa said:
Sorry I don't understand, personally I have all the consoles. Plus I have gamepass ultimate for the next few years. Gamepass has not stopped me from buying playstation, switch and xbox games. Hey if microsoft start going down a slippery road in regards to consumers and quality of the products I will definitely call that out. But I don't see a problem in its current form.
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I didn't say there was a problem. It's fine as a subscription service.
 
SomeGit said:
Oh no, I was suckered into having fun with a piece of content, that I can't even own in the future because Starfield won't be a tenner in any CeX in 5 years.
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How dare they entice you by offering DLC for a game, the same DLC that's available on the Steam version of the game.....
 
Seeing what is happening with the MS and the CMA where features might be removed specifically to appease the UK, and the stance Apple is now taking where they say they might remove FaceTime and iMessage if some proposed law passes, I wonder if big tech is now looking differently at the UK market.
 
MarkMe2525 said:
Has anyone else had issues signing into the Microsoft Affiliation Program portal? I need to submit my days posts for free gamepass coupons.
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You've got to perform the secret handshake using your Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse™ while you place your hand on the PixelSense™ screen of your Surface™ laptop*. That will engage Windows Hello™ For Microsoft Affiliates™.

*Windows 11 Pro only
 
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