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

Do you believe the deal will be approved?


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In your deposition, in PR717, you said, you were 98% joking.
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Today is the final day, it should last less than the other days, both sides will focus on connecting the dots of all the evidence that has come out and create a final argument for the judge.
Don't know if the verdict is expected next week or later.
The most important part.

FTC has a lot of good stuff now. They just need to connect the dots well and make it into a coherent argument.
 
This is an example of goalpost moving. I mentioned servers that were shut down and you say, "Oh they're from 2014."
Absolutely it is.

I said that Sony was notorious for shutting down servers early and gave examples like Gravity Rush 2 and Driveclub. Then you bring up, "well Microsoft shuts down servers too such as Forza.

Then, to back up my original claim, I mentioned how long the servers had been up for Forza.

Then you accuse me of doing what you're guilty of doing.

The goalposts are in a different location and they have your shoe prints next to them. Care to explain?
 
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So when do we get to hear the decision on this hearing? Is it end of the day today or is there a waiting period after the hearing is over?
 
The CMA has asked to postpone the hearing and the CAT has denied it, apparently they don't have enough time to prepare the new lawyers for the case in late July.
they had the opportunity to discuss the deal in October a month ago, but they sent us some unprepared guys who didn't know anything about it. how can you be such an idiot? how is it possible that these regulatory bodies continually have new employees thrown into the fray without them having time to study what they are supposed to discuss? they are a joke
 
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The CMA has asked to postpone the hearing and the CAT has denied it, apparently they don't have enough time to prepare the new lawyers for the case in late July.
they had the opportunity to discuss the deal in October a month ago, but they sent us some unprepared guys who didn't know anything about it. how can you be such an idiot? how is it possible that these regulatory bodies continually have new employees thrown into the fray without them having time to study what they are supposed to discuss? they are a joke
Even though CMA are independent of the government, that sounds like how a lot of government bodies are.

I worked on a few government projects and it is maddening how they throw people around. I was working on a project where i only knew how the website worked, and they shove multiple people on it who haven't got a clue and expect us to deliver straight away, i was pulling my hair out.
 
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The CMA has asked to postpone the hearing and the CAT has denied it, apparently they don't have enough time to prepare the new lawyers for the case in late July.
they had the opportunity to discuss the deal in October a month ago, but they sent us some unprepared guys who didn't know anything about it. how can you be such an idiot? how is it possible that these regulatory bodies continually have new employees thrown into the fray without them having time to study what they are supposed to discuss? they are a joke
I don't belive it is a preperation issue. They know that if it is delayed beyond July 18th Microsoft needs to pay Activation $3B and Activation will likely cut and run at that point. So they won't need to prepare anything if its delayed.
 
I don't belive it is a preperation issue. They know that if it is delayed beyond July 18th Microsoft needs to pay Activation $3B and Activation will likely cut and run at that point. So they won't need to prepare anything if its delayed.

The appeal is after July 18 in any case. I believe it is scheduled for the 24th.
 
There is a waiting period, the judge has to weight all the variables. Soonest would be tomorrow, but I suspect some time next week.
It's federal court and involves both an agency and trillion dollar corp. So I'm guessing the decision comes over weekend or early next week. But it would be hysterical if the TRO stayed in place with the PI decision released August 1. Would give the judge a potential easy way of avoiding an appealable decision if it really became moot at that point.
 
I don't belive it is a preperation issue. They know that if it is delayed beyond July 18th Microsoft needs to pay Activation $3B and Activation will likely cut and run at that point. So they won't need to prepare anything if its delayed.
this is just my opinion, but i think its something entirely different. they're waiting on the FTC decision to see if the FTC falls, and made the request so late knowing full well it will be denied. they might be getting prepared to drop it, and use the excuse that they dont have the manpower to defend the appeal, and it would set a terrible precedent if they lost. it would give them an out to try to save face being the only agency trying to block the deal when everyone else approved.
 
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this is just my opinion, but i think its something entirely different. they're waiting on the FTC decision to see if the FTC falls, and made the request so late knowing full well it will be denied. they might be getting prepared to drop it, and use the excuse that they dont have the manpower to defend the appeal, and it would set a terrible precedent if they lost. it would give them an out to try to save face.

That is not accurate. The CAT appeal date was set before FTC even sought out the PI. CMA wasn't waiting on anything
 
That is not accurate. The CAT appeal date was set before FTC even sought out the PI. CMA wasn't waiting on anything
im talking about the delay request

Without prior warning, on 28 June 2023, the CMA applied to adjourn the
substantive hearing date of 28 July to 4 August 2023. The CMA applied for an
urgent direction pursuant to Rule 19(1) of the Competition Appeal Tribunal
Rules 2015 (the "Tribunal Rules") providing for an adjournment of the
substantive hearing and for its relisting on 2 October 2023 (the "Application")

The CMA has not been able to instruct leading counsel with previous
experience of this matter to appear at the substantive hearing. It has also
encountered significant difficulty in obtaining suitable alternative
representation but has sought to obtain representation to maintain the
existing hearing date so far as practically feasible

The CMA submits that the Application has been made as a last resort to protect
the public interest in ensuring that the CMA is able fairly to defend the decision

at any substantive hearing, and so that the CMA can provide effective assistance
to the Tribunal.
 
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this is just my opinion, but i think its something entirely different. they're waiting on the FTC decision to see if the FTC falls, and made the request so late knowing full well it will be denied. they might be getting prepared to drop it, and use the excuse that they dont have the manpower to defend the appeal, and it would set a terrible precedent if they lost. it would give them an out to try to save face being the only agency trying to block the deal when everyone else approved.
Considering that MS seems perfectly fine with closing over the CMA's objection, I can't say that I will be shocked if the CMA (directly or via orders from above) pulls a U-turn and allows it at some point. Not something I want to see, but it just doesn't feel plausible that MS would pull out of the UK or even threaten to in earnest. Feels like they know something or else why have all this dirty laundry aired?
 
Considering that MS seems perfectly fine with closing over the CMA's objection, I can't say that I will be shocked if the CMA (directly or via orders from above) pulls a U-turn and allows it at some point. Not something I want to see, but it just doesn't feel plausible that MS would pull out of the UK or even threaten to in earnest. Feels like they know something or else why have all this dirty laundry aired?

Yeah they seem strangely comfortable and confident with everything right now... yes i know they are "supposed to" because of the 3 billion "on the line" but it still feels like they know something we don't.
 
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.
Nintendo did that with extremely anti-competitive practices. Including forbidding publishers from putting anything on other platforms if they wanted to have games on the all mighty NES.
 
Damn CMA got shut down.

Pretty embarrassing to claim you need more time to prepare a defense of a decision you already made.

I really can't imagine why they thought that was a good idea.

I've been saying I think the CMA will successfully block this deal but it's honestly looking less likely.
 
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Damn CMA got shut down.

Pretty embarrassing to claim you need more time to prepare a defense of a decision you already made.

I really can't imagine why they thought that was a good idea.

I've been saying I think the CMA will successfully block this deal but it's honestly looking less likely.
CMA doesn't have to defend their decision… that's not what this is about. At this point the CMA is trying to have the CAT reject the appeal and that means fighting Microsoft's arguments that support it.
 
CMA seems like full of shit honestly.

Not prepared? They had 18 months 🤣
I bet they saw the FTC hearing and the witnesses and weren't prepared for what they were hearing. On the other hand they sent somebody who didn't have a clue to the CAT scheduling who even said "I've only just started last week" or something to that effect, so who knows maybe they really are clueless and unprepared.
 
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This deal is nothing more than Xbox trying for a shortcut to success that's it. 🤦‍♂️ Being third place has hurt them. Just Stating the bleading obvious.
Of course. The question is are they doing it in a manner that is anti-competitive or not. Having a shit ton of money and trying to buy success with it isn't de facto anti-competitive.
 
im talking about the delay request

Yeah, but they had already asked for a later date in the case management session so this isn't really new and isn't dependent on the FTC hearing at all considering that will be decided long before the appeal before the CAT.
 
If I worked for Sony I'd be saying uh oh, cause that kind of sounds like a plausible excuse if the CMA decided to drop its block (insufficient resources to defend its position).
I'm failing to see where you are all coming with this talk of CMA dropping the block. There is not really a scenario in which the CMA will just come up and say "we give up". They've made their decision, they blocked it, it's final. It is up to Microsoft to build a case in which this would have to be reviewed and that hasn't happened yet.
 
CMA doesn't have to defend their decision… that's not what this is about. At this point the CMA is trying to have the CAT reject the appeal and that means fighting Microsoft's arguments that support it.
Are you sure? to me it seems obvious that they will have to defend their work, their studies and whatever led them to decide to block it. and if they seem unprepared (this is someone who can't justify his work) like a month ago, the judge will agree with ms. and then it will all be downhill for this deal
 
I'm failing to see where you are all coming with this talk of CMA dropping the block. There is not really a scenario in which the CMA will just come up and say "we give up". They've made their decision, they blocked it, it's final. It is up to Microsoft to build a case in which this would have to be reviewed and that hasn't happened yet.
Yeah doesn't seem likely but who knows anymore at this point.

The whole thing has been a mess.
 
Damn CMA got shut down.

Pretty embarrassing to claim you need more time to prepare a defense of a decision you already made.

I really can't imagine why they thought that was a good idea.

I've been saying I think the CMA will successfully block this deal but it's honestly looking less likely.

In principle, it earns points for those who defend that it has been playing, hand in hand with the FTC, the game of extending the time to the maximum and that the agreement is terminated by withdrawal.

But that's when I think back to the FTC's illogical decision to apply for a PI. The time was not adequate for this strategy, they did not lose anything by waiting and that the deadlines were extended beyond the end of July 18.

Did FTC really believe that MS was going to close the deal without the authorization of the CMA? o Did the FTC know something we don't know about the CAT process that might not be as favorable to the CMA?

Personally, I would see this last reason as more logical than the belief in the possibility that MS would turn its back on the UK, which, for me, is totally improbable.

I don't know, of course nothing in this process has followed any logical line.... It's another episode 😂. At least this one from the FtC may end next week if the FTC wins the PI and leaves MS totally screwed in its chances.
 
I'm failing to see where you are all coming with this talk of CMA dropping the block. There is not really a scenario in which the CMA will just come up and say "we give up". They've made their decision, they blocked it, it's final. It is up to Microsoft to build a case in which this would have to be reviewed and that hasn't happened yet.
The person I replied to posted more than what my post quoted. The part that piqued my interest was about an application to postpone the next CMA decision hearing:

"The CMA submits that the Application has been made as a last resort to protect
the public interest in ensuring that the CMA is able fairly to defend the decision

at any substantive hearing, and so that the CMA can provide effective assistance
to the Tribunal."

I'm admittedly / obviously speculating as to why would MS close if the FTC is denied an injunction. That intent makes no sense to me in light of everything written about CMA process before, unless MS has been "lobbying" enough that they confidently believe the CMA decision will be overturned. So seeing the CMA claim, right this week, that they are seeking a last resort to fairly defend their decision, has my antennas raised. And I'm wondering if there has been enough "lobbying" for the CMA to say they did not have the resources to keep fighting with MS if the FTC loses this week.
 
Absolutely it is.

I said that Sony was notorious for shutting down servers early and gave examples like Gravity Rush 2 and Driveclub. Then you bring up, "well Microsoft shuts down servers too such as Forza.

Then, to back up my original claim, I mentioned how long the servers had been up for Forza.

Then you accuse me of doing what you're guilty of doing.

The goalposts are in a different location and they have your shoe prints next to them. Care to explain?
How long were the servers up for Project Spark?
 
The person I replied to posted more than what my post quoted. The part that piqued my interest was about an application to postpone the next CMA decision hearing:

"The CMA submits that the Application has been made as a last resort to protect
the public interest in ensuring that the CMA is able fairly to defend the decision

at any substantive hearing, and so that the CMA can provide effective assistance
to the Tribunal."

I'm admittedly / obviously speculating as to why would MS close if the FTC is denied an injunction. That intent makes no sense to me in light of everything written about CMA process before, unless MS has been "lobbying" enough that they confidently believe the CMA decision will be overturned. So seeing the CMA claim, right this week, that they are seeking a last resort to fairly defend their decision, has my antennas raised. And I'm wondering if there has been enough "lobbying" for the CMA to say they did not have the resources to keep fighting with MS if the FTC loses this week.
This wording is definitely interesting!
 
CMA seems like full of shit honestly.

Not prepared? They had 18 months 🤣
The CMA make a decision and justify it. They don't prepare for an appeal during that same period. To conflate the two periods is bizarre. They also have other work to do. Your basic knowledge of the Civil Service is limited at best, and it shows.

The appeal period the CMA wanted was September so the current date is too short a time. They had a court case on that. If MS didn't look for a speedier appeal, then the CMA would be prepared in the normal course of events. The request by MS is likely to rush the CMA into making an error than anything else.
 
this flubber looking cunt couldn't identify credibility in a line up

I lost it when someone compared him to a post-menopausal woman/Karen 🤣

The person I replied to posted more than what my post quoted. The part that piqued my interest was about an application to postpone the next CMA decision hearing:

"The CMA submits that the Application has been made as a last resort to protect
the public interest in ensuring that the CMA is able fairly to defend the decision

at any substantive hearing, and so that the CMA can provide effective assistance
to the Tribunal."

I'm admittedly / obviously speculating as to why would MS close if the FTC is denied an injunction. That intent makes no sense to me in light of everything written about CMA process before, unless MS has been "lobbying" enough that they confidently believe the CMA decision will be overturned. So seeing the CMA claim, right this week, that they are seeking a last resort to fairly defend their decision, has my antennas raised. And I'm wondering if there has been enough "lobbying" for the CMA to say they did not have the resources to keep fighting with MS if the FTC loses this week.

Eh, at this point, whatever happens, happens. Thankfully, the truth regarding Microsoft's intentions in gaming have come out and they can't run away to pretend it hasn't. Because if they do, I will remind them at every turn with the evidence.

And I'd suggest many others do the same. But at least MS would be able to take solace in getting ABK under their wing; a few people reminding them online about the truth shouldn't spoil their fun, right? 😉😂
 
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