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[feynoob]

SenjutsuSage is working overtime on twitter.
This guy is something. It seems like he has no life or something. I havent seen someone defend the deal like this. Even Jezz isnt shill like this guy.

This his entire timeline
https://twitter.com/SenninSage

 

[Varteras]

UK revamps competition and consumer regimes

UK publishes Digital Markets and Consumers Bill which will make significant changes to the UK competition and consumer rules.

www.allenovery.com

 

[Varteras]

SenjutsuSage on his flight to speak with the CMA.

 

[feynoob]

SenjutsuSage on his flight to speak with the CMA.

I wonder if he has a nice .

 

[Yoboman]

Ok.....which one of you is on twitter rubbing it in?

They keep regurgitating "everybody in the games industry wants this"

No. CEOs who could get billions themselves one day want this

Actual developers don't think it's a good idea

 

[Varteras]

They keep regurgitating "everybody in the games industry wants this"

No. CEOs who could get billions themselves one day want this

Actual developers don't think it's a good idea

To this day, I fucking hate that Blizzard merged with Activision. Probably the saddest slow death I've ever watched in the gaming industry. Right up there with Sega no longer making consoles.

 

[Yoboman]

To this day, I fucking hate that Blizzard merged with Activision. Probably the saddest slow death I've ever watched in the gaming industry. Right up there with Sega no longer making consoles.

Its not the only one

That period was the last wave of consolidation in the mid 2000s to early 2010s where it was the publishers buying up all the developers. It took away Bioware, Criterion, DICE, Blizzard, Eidos. Some dying slower deaths than others

Now people expect a different result from this period of consolidation?

 

[wolffy66]

Activision is, I think, the most profitable independent publisher. They earn roughly $1.5 to $2 billion in profits every year. Now they will also get $3 billion as the divorce fee from Microsoft.

They will be completely fine continue operating as they have been.

There's a reason they wanted to sell. I'm sure that still exists.

 

[b6a6es]

Recently I’ve been rewatching this PS live-action trailer from their PS showcase in 2021, i had a feeling they somehow knew about MS intent to buy a massive sized publisher (like ABK) and needless to say, they were playing Chess this whole time…..

 

[baphomet]

There's a reason they wanted to sell. I'm sure that still exists.

They wanted to sell because MS approached them and offered far more than they were worth.

 

[MasterCornholio]

lol.....sure, Microsoft can appeal the penalty to the court of appeals. And CMA can still force Microsoft to divest ABK.

Read more folks!

CMA: Please cut out COD.

Microsoft:

 

[harry mason 1989]

how they are getting so much likes? it seems that anything that says the deal will go through gets massive likes
can it be bots?

Yep
Twitter is the land of the bots

 

[MasterCornholio]

Recently I’ve been rewatching this PS live-action trailer from their PS showcase in 2021, i had a feeling they somehow knew about MS intent to buy a massive sized publisher (like ABK) and needless to say, they were playing Chess this whole time…..

It's not a marathon or a sprint.

It's a game of chess. One that takes many moves and critical thinking to win.

 

[sainraja]

Nintendo Switch can run a 2023 Call of Duty without degrading gameplay or content? Can it even run 2022's MW 2?

Just a reminder: The DMZ mode has 66 players, along with hundreds of AI players. You sure about this?

Activision has put Call of Duty games on the Wii alongside more powerful systems. If they were going to attempt to put out a version that was the same, they would obviously need to make compromises and adjustments, but the core gameplay and content could still be the same. I mean, COD: MW did release on the PS3/X360 after all. The gameplay and content on the versions we got on the PS3/360 weren't degraded; at least no one considered them to be at that time.

This is likely what MS was planning (if they were even thinking of a native one). It's not impossible Heisenberg007 .

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

Activision has put Call of Duty games on the Wii alongside more powerful systems. If they were going to attempt to put out a version that was the same, they would obviously need to make compromises and adjustments, but the core gameplay and content could still be the same. I mean, COD: MW did release on the PS3/X360 after all. The gameplay and content on the versions we got on the PS3/360 weren't degraded; at least no one considered them to be at that time.

This is likely what MS was planning (if they were even thinking of a native one). It's not impossible Heisenberg007 .

It flopped on Wii

MS just wanted to save face and try and appear like the nice guy.

Activision would have hated it, it would’ve been a waste of resources, and it would have flopped for the entire ten years that contract was signed for

Just to try and get the deal to go through

 

[Heisenberg007]

Activision has put Call of Duty games on the Wii alongside more powerful systems. If they were going to attempt to put out a version that was the same, they would obviously need to make compromises and adjustments, but the core gameplay and content could still be the same. I mean, COD: MW did release on the PS3/X360 after all. The gameplay and content on the versions we got on the PS3/360 weren't degraded; at least no one considered them to be at that time.

This is likely what MS was planning (if they were even thinking of a native one). It's not impossible Heisenberg007 .

That was a possibility some time ago, but now the hardware differences have become way too big between PS5/XSX and Nintendo Switch. Switch is great, but it's not even as powerful as a 2013 PS4. There is a two-generation gap between the two consoles.

A PS5/XSX exclusive COD will not be able to run on Switch natively without compromising on content and parity.

Besides, if ABK could make it run natively, they'd have by now. Why would they not tap into ~120 million userbase for a live-service game.

 

[Rac3r]

Besides, if ABK could make it run natively, they'd have by now. Why would they not tap into ~120 million userbase for a live-service game.

Exactly. It took them forever to get Overwatch running on the Switch, and it still runs like complete shit with cartoony graphics.

 

[Poltz]

a) CoD has provided exclusive or timed-exclusive downloadable content for either SIE or
Microsoft since CoD 2 in 2005, and these arrangements have not resulted in either SIE or
Microsoft being impaired in their ability to compete at times when the other had a limited exclusive.

(b) Activision already has a strong incentive to come up with different forms
of content and marketing exclusivity that it can monetise in its negotiations
with Microsoft and SIE. It submitted that, since 2005, these marketing
arrangements have included (i) exclusive console marketing
arrangements following the release of new titles and downloadable
content; (ii) priority access to new maps (until these were phased out
following the introduction of cross-platform play); (iii) exclusive access to
the online alpha version of the game and access to the beta version of the
game 5 days earlier than gamers on Xbox consoles or PC; (iv) game
bonuses such as extra “tier skips” on the battle pass; (v) the ability to
access additional “experience points” (eg through exclusive events); and
(vi) certain in-game character customisations and content bundles.569
Microsoft submitted that none of these foreclosed Xbox in the console
market, and that it is not credible to suggest that there are further forms of
exclusivity which Activision could have monetised but has not considered,
and which could have a material impact on downstream competition.

(c) Past attempts by Activision to steer users towards PlayStation to play
CoD had very little impact on Xbox. Between Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
(2015) and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), Xbox maintained around
[]% of CoD gamers, despite Activision’s efforts to promote PlayStation
instead. The attempt to steer gamers towards SIE’s platform did not have
a foreclosure effect on Xbox.

Shock COD marketing is not the be all and end all of a console success.

 

[Gone]

I mean you wrote "CMA tell Microsoft beforehand that if they need the deal to go through they'll have to do"

That's exactly what they did.

Yeah, "please fuck up the company you just bought for 70 billion dollars" isn't a good option.

 

[Nydius]

Besides, if ABK could make it run natively, they'd have by now. Why would they not tap into ~120 million userbase for a live-service game.

Looking at a different studio that was put in a position of being forced to develop for the Switch, it’s an absolute miracle that Sony San Diego was able to create a version of MLB The Show that offers feature parity with other versions. But they sacrificed a lot of graphical fidelity to achieve that goal.

I’d argue that if The Show 23 was a true current gen only title, the Switch version would likely have been similar to EA’s “legacy edition” versions of FIFA.

Getting COD with cross platform feature parity running on Switch in 2023?
Not happening.

 

[Edmund]

 

[Bernoulli]

this is a good sign it means the cma will validate the deal and microsoft wins

UK regulator holding up Microsoft's Activision deal set to get new powers to rein in Big Tech

A new unit within the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority will be given powers to fine Big Tech firms up to 10% of global revenues for breaches.

www.cnbc.com

 

[Heisenberg007]

Yeah, "please fuck up the company you just bought for 70 billion dollars" isn't a good option.

According to Phil Spencer, the deal was primarily about King and Candy Crush - not Activision.

Question: "You’re buying the Candy Crush company. People think about it as Call of Duty or whatever, but you’re buying Candy Crush."

Phil Spencer: "Absolutely. In addition, the number that’s not in the Candy Crush/King number is Call of Duty: Mobile and Diablo mobile, which are big franchises that exist in that Activision and Blizzard bucket that are also major players on phones. Yes, the idea that Activision is all about Call of Duty on console is a construct that might get created by our console competitor and maybe some players out there."

 

[Gone]

According to Phil Spencer, the deal was primarily about King and Candy Crush - not Activision.

Question: "You’re buying the Candy Crush company. People think about it as Call of Duty or whatever, but you’re buying Candy Crush."

Phil Spencer: "Absolutely. In addition, the number that’s not in the Candy Crush/King number is Call of Duty: Mobile and Diablo mobile, which are big franchises that exist in that Activision and Blizzard bucket that are also major players on phones. Yes, the idea that Activision is all about Call of Duty on console is a construct that might get created by our console competitor and maybe some players out there."

It's about everything.

The Activision Blizzard games for Gamepass. The King games for mobile and creating the alternative App Store on iOS and Android as they revealed.

Again, blocking the deal on the basis of cloud gaming is pathetic and doesn't make any sense whatever and this is something everyone knows deep down.

 

[Varteras]

It's about everything.

The Activision Blizzard games for Gamepass. The King games for mobile and creating the alternative App Store on iOS and Android as they revealed.

Again, blocking the deal on the basis of cloud gaming is pathetic and doesn't make any sense whatever and this is something everyone knows deep down.

 

[MasterCornholio]

It's about everything.

The Activision Blizzard games for Gamepass. The King games for mobile and creating the alternative App Store on iOS and Android as they revealed.

Again, blocking the deal on the basis of cloud gaming is pathetic and doesn't make any sense whatever and this is something everyone knows deep down.

Not really otherwise the CMA wouldn't have come to that decision if it can be easily shot down. Also why they eliminated Sony from the equation.

 

[Nydius]

Again, blocking the deal on the basis of cloud gaming is pathetic

It’s been explained time and again why you’re wrong so it’s a waste of time trying to explain it again.

The CMA is smarter than you or I and have literal experts who examined this for months. The only thing that’s “pathetic” is the straw grasping by Xbox fanboys looking for a reason to blame Sony for this when Sony was barely even a factor.

Man this thread has been a goldmine that shows me all the fanboys who I can safely block.

 

[Heisenberg007]

It's about everything.

The Activision Blizzard games for Gamepass. The King games for mobile and creating the alternative App Store on iOS and Android as they revealed.

Maybe, maybe not. But that's not what Phil Spencer said, as I just showed you.

Again, blocking the deal on the basis of cloud gaming is pathetic and doesn't make any sense whatever and this is something everyone knows deep down.

Absolutely not. In fact, everyone knows deep down that this is the right decision.

• Does Microsoft have a 70% share in the UK Cloud gaming market? Yes.
• Does Microsoft have the incentive to make ABK games exclusive to their cloud services? Yes.
• Did Microsoft submit remedies that were in line with CMA's requests? No.

So the CMA blocked the acquisition. Makes 100% sense.

 

[Ronin_7]

This shit is hilarious

 

[bitbydeath]

Did Microsoft submit remedies that were in line with CMA's requests? No.

This is the main one, I thought MS were just throwing in the towel early but it seems they thought they could have everything they wanted without consequence.

 

[Banjo64]

UK regulator holding up Microsoft's Activision deal set to get new powers to rein in Big Tech

A new unit within the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority will be given powers to fine Big Tech firms up to 10% of global revenues for breaches.

www.cnbc.com

JuSt iGNore tHe Uk

Ignoring the ridiculous of this sentiment and the fact that Microsoft will never try to circumvent a major regulator, that’d be a potential $19.8b fine.

 

[Bernoulli]

It's about everything.

The Activision Blizzard games for Gamepass. The King games for mobile and creating the alternative App Store on iOS and Android as they revealed.

Again, blocking the deal on the basis of cloud gaming is pathetic and doesn't make any sense whatever and this is something everyone knows deep down.

nothing is stopping them from making an alternative store on android and sideloading is coming to ios in september

they dominate the cloud and want more, shouldn't scream the power of the cloud if you can't deal with consequences

Microsoft Cloud strength drives third quarter results - Stories

REDMOND, Wash. — April 25, 2023 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the following results for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year: Revenue was $52.9 billion and increased 7% (up 10% in constant currency) Operating income was $22.4 billion...

news.microsoft.com

​

Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “We’re investing deeply in world-class content, community and the cloud to usher in a new era of gaming that puts players and creators first and makes gaming safe, inclusive and accessible to all.”

Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone, across every device - Stories

Legendary games, immersive interactive entertainment and publishing expertise accelerate growth in Microsoft’s Gaming business across mobile, PC, console and cloud. REDMOND, Wash. and Santa Monica, Calif. – Jan. 18, 2022 – With three billion people actively playing games today, and fueled by a...

news.microsoft.com

 

[MasterCornholio]

Maybe, maybe not. But that's not what Phil Spencer said, as I just showed you.

Absolutely not. In fact, everyone knows deep down that this is the right decision.

• Does Microsoft have a 70% share in the UK Cloud gaming market? Yes.
• Does Microsoft have the incentive to make ABK games exclusive to their cloud services? Yes.
• Did Microsoft submit remedies that were in line with CMA's requests? No.

So the CMA blocked the acquisition. Makes 100% sense.

Basically. Now putting the shoe on the other foot.

If they didn't use the cloud and used the console market it would be much easier for Microsoft to fight that. The CMA knows that it wasn't a good argument and there's plenty of evidence against it so they dropped it especially after they made that math error.

Now could Microsoft gave gotten this through?

Definitely however that would have required them to make divestments something they clearly don't want to do. Since the concessions didn't satisfy the CMA they blocked it. It was going to take way more than simple 10 year deals to get this through.

 

[Banjo64]

nothing is stopping them from making an alternative store on android and sideloading is coming to ios in september

they dominate the cloud and want more, shouldn't scream the power of the cloud if you can't deal with consequences

Microsoft Cloud strength drives third quarter results - Stories

REDMOND, Wash. — April 25, 2023 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the following results for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year: Revenue was $52.9 billion and increased 7% (up 10% in constant currency) Operating income was $22.4 billion...

news.microsoft.com

​

Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone, across every device - Stories

Legendary games, immersive interactive entertainment and publishing expertise accelerate growth in Microsoft’s Gaming business across mobile, PC, console and cloud. REDMOND, Wash. and Santa Monica, Calif. – Jan. 18, 2022 – With three billion people actively playing games today, and fueled by a...

news.microsoft.com

makes gaming safe, inclusive and accessible to all.

This meme-worthy statement still makes me laugh whenever I think of it. Microsoft have crapped the bed over the past 12 months.

 

[GHG]

Microsoft and those who bat for them (both paid and unpaid): "regulators shouldn't exist to protect the market leader"

Regulators: "you are correct, that's why we are blocking this deal on the basis of you being the market leader in cloud and this deal would only result in you further locking down that market before it's even had the opportunity to grow organically, we are looking out for the companies who aren't market leaders"

Microsoft and those who bat for them (both paid and unpaid):

Hence:

That "yes" wasn't what you thought it was.

 

[Bernoulli]

according to this expert it's gameover for the CMA

 

[GHG]

according to this expert it's gameover for the CMA

He was already a nutter before the decision was announced but he's taken it to a whole new level since. It's outright insanity.

It makes you wonder how much him and sage really had/have riding on this. Makes me think that they didn't just have stock, but instead it must be options due to expire in the next couple of months, hence their urgency.

Either that and/or Microsoft have told them gloves off, go crazy.

 

[Thirty7ven]

Guy is posting like he put his life savings on this.

 

[drganon]

Christ, that Foss guy is huffing so much copium it's starting to rot his brain.

 

[Poltz]

Christ, that Foss guy is huffing so much copium it's starting to rot his brain.

It's sad to see.

 

[Zheph]

 

[Bernoulli]

what will he do if EU blocks it too?

EU issues antitrust warning against Microsoft’s $69 billion Activision bid

The European Union has issued Microsoft with a formal antitrust warning over its $69 billion bid for Activision-Blizzard, three people close to the matter have told POLITICO. In a so-called stateme…

www.politico.eu

Europe agrees new law to curb Big Tech dominance

Under the rules major firms like Apple and Google would have to open up their systems to rivals.

www.bbc.com

 

[GHG]

Victory for Ukraine!

 

[mansoor1980]

"The deal will go through and Sony will pay, no worries. There'll be pressure on them to change their business terms and practices. It already started in U.S. Congress."

 

[Varteras]

Victory for Ukraine!

A great day for the Romanian Ukrainian Russian people!

 

[X-Wing]

Jesus fucking christ.

 

[mansoor1980]

 

[Banjo64]

Victory for Ukraine - Brad Smith

 

[X-Wing]

The news is from the 25th though. But it is surprising that reading that anyone would believe the government would overrule the CMA's decision.

 

[Varteras]

Victory for Ukraine - Brad Smith

"Europe appears to be a more attractive option for business". Brad, honey, there are some things you should know...