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

Do you believe the deal will be approved?


  • Total voters
    886
  • Poll closed .
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Varteras

Gold Member
That sucks. When I played BO1 on BC there were a lot of gamers playing too. I dont remember any hackers. But maybe it was due to the ratio of clean gamers, and I just missed them all by luck. I never tried out BO2 since I stopped playing in back then.

It was terrible. I watched my step brother actually download hacks on his Xbox. He had cheats that let him do shit like kill the entire lobby instantly. I asked him why the fuck he would do that. He said because it's funny and no one cares because the game was so old.
 

Ar¢tos

Member
Get ready for the next evolution of the windows operating system :messenger_smiling_horns:

eqOEUcv.png


Learn about Windows 365 Here
That would require motherboards with BIOSES to come back, no?
Like the old consoles (ps1/ps2) had.
 

X-Wing

Member

StreetsofBeige

Gold Member
Get ready for the next evolution of the windows operating system :messenger_smiling_horns:

eqOEUcv.png


Learn about Windows 365 Here
All I know is I have a legit fully downloaded copy of MS Office 2019 from work. I got it for like $20 as one of those employer-employee perks (Home User Program or something).

And I am milking this edition edition for as long as possible! I'll transfer the program to my next PC (I'm assuming I can transfer to another device??? lol)
 

Sleepwalker

Member

Let's hope this doesn't go that far lol.

Man so much bs in that thread, I remember being so excited for next gen reading it, now 3 years later we are back to 720p and 30fps 🤡
 

Bojanglez

The Amiga Brotherhood
CMA is getting what they wanted. Cloud divesment, while MS gets the deal.
If MS cant control cloud option, there is no risk for this deal.

What is the difference between a proposed licencing remedy and "divesting cloud"? In the end it's still MS licensing it after the acquisition. Now legally could MS try and distance itself from its cloud lead with that proposal and have MS licensing to in a business they don't own? that's possible but as the CMA said it would likely need a new investigation into the proposal and I'm really not sure the CMAs stance is to get that done by Monday. It might appear like they are circumventing the decision while still having the "divested company" having the advantage.
MS selling the rights to a completely separate legal entity still raises many questions.

- Are these licensing rights sold in perpetuity?
- Are there any agreements to ensure versions of games are created for multi-cloud solutions?
- Are vendors free to use translation players on PC builds to deliver without Windows?
Will Windows licenses be regulated ongoing if not?
- Does it inhibit MS using Windows cloud licenses to manipulate the cloud gaming market? (Like they did by giving Nvidia 'sweetener' Windows licensing deal to sign the cloud agreement)

To me this fudge seems like it raises some of the main issues with MS' stranglehold on cloud and operating systems that are fundamental issues with the deal. The CMA would be them having to constantly monitor that fair play was occurring, which wouldn't be necessary with an independent ABK 🤷‍♂️
 

GHG

Gold Member
I read a post on another site which was an analysis of the FTC appeal that speculated they're (as in the FTC) going to attempt to get Microsoft to make more commitments and then tell the judge they're fine with the deal. Now, I have *no idea* if any of that is true because I clearly cannot see the future, but if that does indeed come to pass, then that is activity that should have been done in the initial case; not in the appeals, since they wouldn't be negotiating from a place of strength.

If that's what ends up happening, it would make the current FTC, in my eyes, even more incomprehensibly ill-prepared than I imagined, since you'd--again-- want to negotiate from a place of strength.

Even funnier would be MS agreeing to the conditions, which would also reveal their (possibly significant) level of desperation. Though, you'd imagine they're feeling emboldened after what happened yesterday.

The moment they decided to move forward with Corely when they had other options their fate was sealed. They are clearly not an organisation driven by logic, even when said logic would be in their own best interests. It's like a never ending series of bad decisions to their own detriment.
 

havoc00

Member
MS selling the rights to a completely separate legal entity still raises many questions.

- Are these licensing rights sold in perpetuity?
- Are there any agreements to ensure versions of games are created for multi-cloud solutions?
- Are vendors free to use translation players on PC builds to deliver without Windows?
Will Windows licenses be regulated ongoing if not?
- Does it inhibit MS using Windows cloud licenses to manipulate the cloud gaming market? (Like they did by giving Nvidia 'sweetener' Windows licensing deal to sign the cloud agreement)

To me this fudge seems like it raises some of the main issues with MS' stranglehold on cloud and operating systems that are fundamental issues with the deal. The CMA would be them having to constantly monitor that fair play was occurring, which wouldn't be necessary with an independent ABK 🤷‍♂️
They should bring mr wonderful in for royalties
 

PaintTinJr

Member
That doesn’t fix the problem though as they could always rebrand and build anew.
That still isn't the CMA's issue of the SLC. Microsoft would still be a monopoly in the nascent cloud gaming market outside the UK in the rest of the world inhibiting competition from UK start-ups to ever compete internationally because of the merger, killing opportunities for those businesses to innovate and removing any reason for backers to invest in such start-up cloud gaming businesses.

The divestiture of Activision is still the only viable working solution to fix the SLC, and the CMA are just paying Microsoft lip service as legally required to listen to their proposals that still revolve around Microsoft foreclosing the cloud gaming market quickly in the future.
 

Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
this is why this acquisition has been such a big deal for the Xbox fanboys. it feels like the last chance to keep Xbox relevant in this industry.
By making PlayStation smaller.

(Not saying this to you of course) but this is such a weird argument/tactic. They're making Xbox relevant by minimizing games on their competitor's platform -- not by improving Xbox or introducing a new tech, feature, or set of games.
 

Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
Apparently Microsoft needs some of that “CoD Money” to start making good exclusive games like Sony is…

Do people even use their brain before typing shit like this?


Such a stupid justification. It's not like Sony owns COD at the moment.

Their customers buy COD (and other games) and then PlayStation gets the same 30%/20% cut as Xbox does. The problem is with Xbox who systematically trained their userbase not to buy games because of their stupid business strategies and their fanbase that makes literal fun of people who prefer buying games.
 
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Such a stupid justification. It's not like Sony owns COD at the moment.

Their customers buy COD (and other games) and then PlayStation gets the same 30%/20% cut as Xbox does. The problem is with Xbox who systematically trained their userbase not to buy games and their fanbase that makes literal fun of people who prefer buying games.

It’s stupid because Microsoft doesn’t need money to make great games. They have $100B to blow on publishers that were just fine being independent. They certainly don’t need the few billion a year in “CoD money” that will somehow magically improve their first party

Microsoft’s problem has never been about money; it’s always been wasted opportunities with a studio culture in disarray. And a Booty that doesn’t know his Dick from his Spencer

This would certainly diminish CoD money on playstation which could adversely affect Sony first party.

So net loss for gamers
 
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havoc00

Member
It’s stupid because Microsoft doesn’t need money to make great games. They have $100B to blow on publishers that were just fine being independent. They certainly don’t need the few billion a year in “CoD money” that will somehow magically improve their first party

Microsoft’s problem has never been about money; it’s always been wasted opportunities with a studio culture in disarray. And a Booty that doesn’t know his Dick from his Spencer

This would certainly diminish CoD money on playstation which could adversely affect Sony first party.

So net loss for gamers
Wait until ms gets Bobby he’s gonna change the culture
 

Ginzeen

Banned
That still isn't the CMA's issue of the SLC. Microsoft would still be a monopoly in the nascent cloud gaming market outside the UK in the rest of the world inhibiting competition from UK start-ups to ever compete internationally because of the merger, killing opportunities for those businesses to innovate and removing any reason for backers to invest in such start-up cloud gaming businesses.

The divestiture of Activision is still the only viable working solution to fix the SLC, and the CMA are just paying Microsoft lip service as legally required to listen to their proposals that still revolve around Microsoft foreclosing the cloud gaming market quickly in the future.
The divestiture of Activision is not happening. Plenty of evidence to support that. This is just silly talk
 

ToadMan

Member
If all existing shares go to MS, why would Activision care.

ATVI may care if they think they’re worth more now than the price on the table from MS.

To close the transaction both sides have to agree still - it’s not automatic. ATVI could point at the CMA situation on Monday if MS tried to close over them, and refuse to go through with the sale and they have the contractual right to do so. They would still be entitled to their $3bn.

None of us know the mind of Bobby or major ATVI shareholders right now - maybe they just want to close anyway at $95 and walk away.

We’re just speculating that ATVI are worth more today than 18 months ago - significantly more…

What might the idea of more cash, or remaining independent mean to shareholders right now…?
 
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demigod

Member
ATVI may care if they think they’re worth more now than the price on the table from MS.

To close the transaction both sides have to agree still - it’s not automatic. ATVI could point at the CMA situation on Monday if MS tried to close over them, and refuse to go through with the sale and they have the contractual right to do so. They would still be entitled to their $3bn.

None of us know the mind of Bobby or major ATVI shareholders right now - maybe they just want to close anyway at $95 and walk away.

We’re just speculating that ATVI are worth more today than 18 months ago - significantly more…

What might the idea of more cash, or remaining independent mean to shareholders right now…?
Yup, why agree to close when your share is almost at the buyout price. Better to not close and get the 3bil or ask for an even HIGHER premium.
 

Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
Yup, why agree to close when your share is almost at the buyout price. Better to not close and get the 3bil or ask for an even HIGHER premium.
I think there is a chance (at least more than what it was a week ago) that Activision still stick with Microsoft after July 18.

However, at the very least, they HAVE TO ask for a higher price than $69 billion, no? They'd be in the driving seat. I'd be surprised very much if they don't ask for a higher price.

If Microsoft agrees, they earn more money. If Microsoft refuses, they can walk away with $3 billion. They can have Microsoft by the neck on July 19.
 
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Alex Scott

Member
I think there is a chance (at least more than what it was a week ago) that Activision still stick with Microsoft after July 18.

However, at the very least, they HAVE TO ask for a higher price than $69 billion, no? They'd be in the driving seat. I'd be surprised very much if they don't ask for a higher price.

If Microsoft agrees, they earn more money. If Microsoft refuses, they can walk away with $3 billion. They can have Microsoft by the neck on July 19.
If CMA agrees and drops their concern then ABK has to oblige. Right? Guess we will know by Firday or Monday.
 
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Where are @SneakersSO and Mibu no ookami Mibu no ookami ?? They usually have very good and thorough insight to share on these matters.



LMAO I fucking love AI

What am I commenting on here?

Whether Sony should be looking at GTA6 exclusivity in the wake of the increased likelihood of ABK closing and a shift away from CoD marketing?

I think it would be important to recognize a couple of things. Whatever the marketing deal Sony had with ABK for CoD would come nowhere close to the amount of money it would take for Sony to make GTA6 exclusive. So we're not talking about a 1:1 transaction here. Even if you include the money Sony would make from charging ABK full freight on royalties, it wouldn't be enough.

GTA6 exclusivity would come at an especially high cost and I think the benefits of which would be somewhat limited.

I'm going to pull a number out of my ass here and say 500 million for exclusivity. When you consider that The Last of Us 2 cost ~200 million to develop, you have to ask yourself does 2-3 major AAA titles all of which would be exclusive and likely profitable with the potential for transmedia revenue make more sense than GTA6 exclusivity. If I'm Sony, I'd rather put that 500 million towards buying FromSoftware and having a permanent asset with the potential of generating content that can sell as well as Elden Ring.

I think we're moving into the phase of the cycle where exclusivity deals, especially on Sony's part as the market leader starts to make less and less sense.

The only way I'm paying for GTA6 exclusivity if I'm Sony is if it's in part a strategy to launch a PC launcher and storefront and the exclusivity extends to PC and not just console.
 

Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
If CMA agrees and drops their concern then ABK has to oblige. Guess we will know Firday or Monday?
If the CMA agrees before July 18, yes, ABK will have to oblige or risk paying a hefty penalty.

If the CMA agrees after July 18, ABK is not obligated to continue until they sign a new contract.
 
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Varteras

Gold Member
So why did they acquire Zenimax? Did Zenimax's acquisition not move the needle for them? 🤔

And what stops them from using the same justification the next time they want to buy a big publisher? 🤔

Microsoft's moves the last few years haven't been carefully planned. They've been opportunistic moments. Zenimax wasn't going to shift anything. They needed a lot more than that. They needed a big mobile company. They needed big games to bump sub numbers. They needed a company that was huge in the PC space. ABK is all of that. Their legal troubles tanking their stocks was the perfect opportunity. They wouldn't have sold otherwise.

Not every company is up for sale. CD Projekt has made it clear they don't want to sell. Ubisoft does not want to be owned. Sega has said they're not interested. Even to buy T2 or EA, you'd have to offer their stockholders enough cash to the point where they didn't have confidence for the company to reach that number any time soon. And even companies like Microsoft have limits on what they're willing to spend. That much should be obvious in that they were outbid by Sony for Bungie.

The purchasing company has a value in mind. Microsoft isn't going to offer T2 $50 billion when their market value is only half that. It would be an absolutely boneheaded offer. Also, the more they buy up, the more likely they are to run afoul of regulators. They've already had a hell of a time grabbing ABK. A future purchase of another massive publisher will likely face increased scrutiny compared to what it would have had ABK not been bought. It doesn't guarantee a block, but their previous purchases will be taken into consideration.

It also depends on moves made by other companies. Like it or not, we're in a consolidation phase. There's going to be more purchases. Tencent just made another move. A small one, but a move nonetheless. They already have their claws partially in Ubisoft. Embracer had been buying things up. Sony might as well be shouting from the rooftops that they're going to be spending even more money to own things. Based on their comments as of late.

It might seem shitty, but it's a snowball effect. One thing leads to another, leads to another, leads to another. Each step for one company justified by what the others did before. The upshot to this industry is that it is very resilient to too much being owned by one company. There are a ridiculous number of startups with good funding and a lot of talent popping up these days. Many of them displaced from the very consolidation some fear, with others having formed from the dying husk of companies already owned.

Truthfully, the only way Microsoft runs away with the industry is if everyone else just stands still. That's not going to happen.
 

Varteras

Gold Member
What am I commenting on here?

Whether Sony should be looking at GTA6 exclusivity in the wake of the increased likelihood of ABK closing and a shift away from CoD marketing?

I think it would be important to recognize a couple of things. Whatever the marketing deal Sony had with ABK for CoD would come nowhere close to the amount of money it would take for Sony to make GTA6 exclusive. So we're not talking about a 1:1 transaction here. Even if you include the money Sony would make from charging ABK full freight on royalties, it wouldn't be enough.

GTA6 exclusivity would come at an especially high cost and I think the benefits of which would be somewhat limited.

I'm going to pull a number out of my ass here and say 500 million for exclusivity. When you consider that The Last of Us 2 cost ~200 million to develop, you have to ask yourself does 2-3 major AAA titles all of which would be exclusive and likely profitable with the potential for transmedia revenue make more sense than GTA6 exclusivity. If I'm Sony, I'd rather put that 500 million towards buying FromSoftware and having a permanent asset with the potential of generating content that can sell as well as Elden Ring.

I think we're moving into the phase of the cycle where exclusivity deals, especially on Sony's part as the market leader starts to make less and less sense.

The only way I'm paying for GTA6 exclusivity if I'm Sony is if it's in part a strategy to launch a PC launcher and storefront and the exclusivity extends to PC and not just console.

Thoughtful assessment, as usual. At the time, I was referring to the regulator situation as it stood. Obviously, things have already progressed since then. I don't expect you to spend any time on it at this point.
 
By making PlayStation smaller.

(Not saying this to you of course) but this is such a weird argument/tactic. They're making Xbox relevant by minimizing games on their competitor's platform -- not by improving Xbox or introducing a new tech, feature, or set of games.
I really haven't been paying that much attention to the words and deeds of what people are saying. I feel like I have been on the periphery of this discourse. However, I am very aware of the impact of this acquisition has been having on the fandom of each side.

and i see both sides:

The xbox fandom has developed a deep resentment towards Play Station, a lot of it comes from being ignorant towards the meaning and implications of what First Party Studios are.

They believe all these GOTY sony has produced are unfair, that these exclusive have been taken away from xbox.
They perceive the media as being biased towards Sony, giving excessive praise to their games.

For them, this acquisition is the revenge they have been waiting for.

PlayStation fans feel that this acquisition threatens Sony's dominance in an unfair way. Instead of investing in studios, they see the acquisition of these publishers as an effortless and dishonest method of competition.

personally speaking i don't like the hypocrisy of play station fans when they use the "consolidation or game pass bad" arguments.

But I feel sorry for the xbox fan that believes that these acquisition mean that xbox is suddenly going to produce and deliver dormant IP and banger after banger. they are oblivious at the negative effects of big mergers.

my sadistic side smiles at the people suffering due to Starfield's exclusivity as well as the complete shitshow that was Redfall and the metdown from the xbox community.

the point is: Xbox is trying to act as the only benevolent pro-consumer company...when we know that of course is Bullshit of the highest degree, for them and for their fans what seems like and Epic Win with this acquisition is going to be a fucking nightmare, i can guarantee that.

And for Play Station and their fans....what it seems like such a massive threat....is actually the best opportunity to be even more aggressive (especially when they are in such position of power).

i find all the concern about consolidation, Game Pass or Cloud as well as "more options or accesibility to games everywhere for free" nothing more than a charade.
 

Banjo64

cumsessed
If the CMA agrees before July 18, yes, ABK will have to oblige or risk paying a hefty penalty.

If the CMA agrees after July 18, ABK is not obligated to continue until they sign a new contract.
MS’s only option is to try and close this deal without the CMA’s consent if they are working towards the 18th. The CMA are only open to a new investigation.

“While the merging parties do not have the opportunity to submit new solutions once a final report has been issued, they can choose to restructure the deal, which could lead to a new merger investigation,” the agency said in a statement today. “The CMA is prepared to engage with them on this basis.”
 

mckmas8808

Mckmaster uses MasterCard to buy Slave drives


Bobby: "Xbox is 3rd place in the console race compared to Nintendo and Sony..........This deal allows us and MS to compete against these 'entrenched' competitors."





You've gotta be kidding me. So it's completely all about MS "failing" so now they should be allowed to buy the rest of the 3rd party industry as a result? That's their reward for not being more competitive against their main rivals? Just allow them to buy pure ownership of all billions of dollars of content?

Has anybody thought that maybe Microsoft is in last place in the console wars for a reason?
 

Bitmap Frogs

Mr. Community
Bobby: "Xbox is 3rd place in the console race compared to Nintendo and Sony..........This deal allows us and MS to compete against these 'entrenched' competitors."





You've gotta be kidding me. So it's completely all about MS "failing" so now they should be allowed to buy the rest of the 3rd party industry as a result? That's their reward for not being more competitive against their main rivals? Just allow them to buy pure ownership of all billions of dollars of content?

Has anybody thought that maybe Microsoft is in last place in the console wars for a reason?

Ssshhh reminding people of the many failings of Xbox management is taboo. It’s all about the “entrenched” rivals and not about 360s self destructing, then shutting down studios to become a 100% casual Kinect company or the many beautiful IPs like shadowrun they own and do nothing with.
 

mckmas8808

Mckmaster uses MasterCard to buy Slave drives
Ssshhh reminding people of the many failings of Xbox management is taboo. It’s all about the “entrenched” rivals and not about 360s self destructing, then shutting down studios to become a 100% casual Kinect company or the many beautiful IPs like shadowrun they own and do nothing with.

This is the same company that turned Halo, into just another everyday Live Service game. Freaking Halo man. One of the biggest gaming IPs on Planet Earth, is now a free-to-play live service game. Let that sit for a while........and then wonder what they'll do to Call of Duty and Elder Scrolls.
 

Bitmap Frogs

Mr. Community
This is the same company that turned Halo, into just another everyday Live Service game. Freaking Halo man. One of the biggest gaming IPs on Planet Earth, is now a free-to-play live service game. Let that sit for a while........and then wonder what they'll do to Call of Duty and Elder Scrolls.

Oh yes… you are very right.
 

zapper

Member
You've gotta be kidding me. So it's completely all about MS "failing" so now they should be allowed to buy the rest of the 3rd party industry as a result? That's their reward for not being more competitive against their main rivals? Just allow them to buy pure ownership of all billions of dollars of content?

yes, but kotick is not needed, the eu, judge usa and others say so. it is good for the market and the consumers. then whether it makes it impossible for others to compete or the entry of new competitors is irrelevant
 

Topher

Gold Member



Divestiture of service, Topher Topher


Makes no sense, but if that's what they are calling it then CMA just flat-out caved. Dat "political pressure" Riky Riky talked about.

Awkward John Krasinski GIF by Saturday Night Live


And so this is why MS wasn't worried about CMA any longer as HeisenbergFX4 HeisenbergFX4 said. They already agreed on this prior to the FTC ruling. CMA has been lying the whole time about this possibly leading to a new investigation, if this happens.

New info....CMA hasn't agreed to anything.

 
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GigaBowser

The bear of bad news
What am I commenting on here?

Whether Sony should be looking at GTA6 exclusivity in the wake of the increased likelihood of ABK closing and a shift away from CoD marketing?

I think it would be important to recognize a couple of things. Whatever the marketing deal Sony had with ABK for CoD would come nowhere close to the amount of money it would take for Sony to make GTA6 exclusive. So we're not talking about a 1:1 transaction here. Even if you include the money Sony would make from charging ABK full freight on royalties, it wouldn't be enough.

GTA6 exclusivity would come at an especially high cost and I think the benefits of which would be somewhat limited.

I'm going to pull a number out of my ass here and say 500 million for exclusivity.
When you consider that The Last of Us 2 cost ~200 million to develop, you have to ask yourself does 2-3 major AAA titles all of which would be exclusive and likely profitable with the potential for transmedia revenue make more sense than GTA6 exclusivity. If I'm Sony, I'd rather put that 500 million towards buying FromSoftware and having a permanent asset with the potential of generating content that can sell as well as Elden Ring.

I think we're moving into the phase of the cycle where exclusivity deals, especially on Sony's part as the market leader starts to make less and less sense.

The only way I'm paying for GTA6 exclusivity if I'm Sony is if it's in part a strategy to launch a PC launcher and storefront and the exclusivity extends to PC and not just console.
What in tarnation 500 millions for GTA exclusivity? GTA solds 120 million:lollipop_neutral:
 
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