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[Swift_Star]

People, hear me out:
Is there a chance that Hendrick's is Craig of War?

 

[adamsapple]

It makes sense. This is the fastest selling Xbox of all-time.

I'm still finding it a bit funny that people are referencing that document as if its a gotcha

Looking forward to FTC getting trounced in the courts, again.

I hope the briefing went well comrade. I think I was missed off the mailing list this time, it’s probably because Philkun is ashamed of me for playing Stray recently.

Bad pussy!

 

[jshackles]

People, hear me out:
Is there a chance that Hendrick's is Craig of War?

 

[ZehDon]

Lmao did the geniuses at MS think that different regulatory bodies do not talk to each other?

http://[URL][URL]https://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases1/202124/m10001_438_3.pdf

[/URL][/URL]

MS told the EU during the Zenimax acquisition that they'd only make Zenimax games exclusive under implausible (their words) circumstances.

They lied. 100% chance CMA kills this deal now too.

Unless I'm mis-reading, point 108 stipulates that Microsoft would make Zenimax games exclusive only if it could determine that the number of Xboxes sold owing to those new exclusives out-paced the lost revenue from making it a single-platform exclusive. Given that Xbox is having its best generation ever right now, the "implausible scenario" has actually happened: Zenimax games being exclusive helped sell enough extra Xboxes that Microsoft makes more money in total than if they made them available on other platforms. That's not a lie: they literally said they'd do exactly what they are doing. Of course, given that no Zenimax games have actually launched yet, I'd be curious how Microsoft has come to that conclusion?

 

[Swift_Star]

I'm still finding it a bit funny that people are referencing that document as if its a gotcha

Looking forward to FTC getting trounced in the courts, again.

The FTC thinks it’s a gotcha. Why do you think you’re better at this job than the FTC? Also, weren’t you one of the people that was sure the deal would go smoothly? If I were you, I’d be careful.

 

[gothmog]

The past data doesn't really work in their favour, which is part of their issue. Existing Bethesda games remain multiplatform, with newly funded and developed titles being exclusive - which of course they are. Previous purchases like Minecraft remain multiplatform, because the purpose of that purchase wasn't exclusivity. Microsoft literally signed a deal with Nintendo to bring COD to a whole new platform and offered Sony ten years of continued access. If ten years of legally binding access isn't enough, then what is? The idea that Microsoft are crossing their fingers behind their back when making pinky promises doesn't really work when we're talking legally binding agreements. Could Microsoft buy out those agreements? Sure - but then Sony and/or Nintendo would be paid the agreed amount to break those agreements, which is still a win for both of those companies. The claim that Microsoft will cut off access to Activision's content the day it closes and re-neg on its agreements doesn't track with Microsoft's history, especially under Nadella. They didn't pull Ghost Wire or Death Loop from being timed Sony exclusives - why would they re-neg on ten years of Sony and Nintendo paying them royalties?

The "force multiplier" doesn't really add up, either. The "emerging market" of streaming games is littered with the corpses of companies who tried and failed without Microsoft lifting a finger. On Live, Gaiki - who were purchased by Sony, Stadia. Those companies failed entirely on their own - in Stadia's case, basically from day one - because streaming games is a niche market. Geforce Now and PS Now are doing fine relatively, and neither of them have Activision's content anyway. Microsoft buying ABK doesn't really impact that emerging market to a degree demanding government intervention, because the market is still proving itself. It's not the FTC's job to look into a crystal ball and shape markets that don't fully exist yet because the FTC's current head doesn't like the past handling of Facebook, Apple, and Google's rise to prominence. This isn't a social media company buy a newspaper, this is a tech company who makes video games buying a big game to help it compete in one aspect of the market that's been dominated by one company for over twenty years, as well as establish foot holds in others, like Mobile. Microsoft can't use ABK to "force multiply" itself to become the Facebook of video games, video game streaming, or mobile - ABK, even under Micrsoft, simply doesn't have that kind of reach.

The current head of the FTC was approved with bipartisan support because she talked about reining in these tech giants. So that's what she's doing. Shes always making it public that they are outgunned by these companies.

I guess my only response to the rest is I disagree. The FTC made it clear and Microsoft argued things that are mostly unrelated to the complaint. They miscalculated and obviously tried very hard to sway the vote before it happened. I've repeated many times that the FTC considers things like divestiture as a remedy but Microsoft does not believe pretty much anything applies to them. Their whole COD 10 year deal dog and pony show proves they would rather focus on the sideshow rather than the concerns raised.

 

[bentanchorbolt]

The FTC thinks it’s a gotcha. Why do you think you’re better at this job than the FTC? Also, weren’t you one of the people that was sure the deal would go smoothly? If I were you, I’d be careful.

Let's pump the breaks here. 100s of users in this thread, some far more than others, and on both sides, have spend pages and pages and pages proclaiming they know with certainty how this will all play out. So lets not point fingers at just one guy here.

 

[damidu]

so that nintendo/cod announcement that came like hours ago was a desperation move than i guess!

 

[GHG]

You should probably read point 108. The answer is within it.

Maybe you should read it. The conditions set out in 108 were not met (and even deemed to be "implausible"), so why did Microsoft decide to go against what they claimed they would do considering it would, in their own words, make the venture unprofitable?

 

[adamsapple]

The FTC thinks it’s a gotcha. Why do you think you’re better at this job than the FTC? Also, weren’t you one of the people that was sure the deal would go smoothly? If I were you, I’d be careful.

Not much has changed there.

 

[Varteras]

To be fair, the Games with Gold offerings are worth 2-3x what Microsoft is charging currently for a Gold subscription.

Oh sure. Years later. And after Sony started doing PS Plus which gave away games. Games with Gold was a reaction. I mean fuck them both for charging us for online play but come on. Let's not overlook things.

 

[Swift_Star]

Not much has changed there.

nothing has changed.
We went from “they’ll not sue, the deal will go smoothly” to
“Oh fuck, they’re suing”.
Sure, Jan.

 

[bender]

Oh sure. Years later. And after Sony started doing PS Plus which gave away games. Games with Gold was a reaction. I mean fuck them both for charging us for online play but come on. Let's not overlook things.

When they deliver me Vicious Attack Llama Apocalypse, I can't help but forgive Phil.

​

 

[GHG]

Not much has changed there.

Ok, so this is part of the script. Seen it a number of times already but we appreciate it.

What else you got?

 

[Varteras]

When they deliver me Vicious Attack Llama Apocalypse, I can't help but forgive Phil.

​

I cannot argue with this.

 

[gokurho]

Fuck FTC!
MS&AB can easily exit US market.
Thus, FTC can not prevent this acquisition.

 

[The_Mike]

My question to everyone is this...

Microsoft have the deepest pockets on earth. Yet, throughout their gaming history their approach has been to swallow IP and publishers to get ahead. Why are they so averse to creating their own games and IP?

I love how people being blue snakes into their core keeps asking them selves that fanboy sentence question, while every non snake doesn't give a shit about their fake concern.

Also feels old to have clowns screaming xbox has no games in 2022.

 

[Varteras]

Fuck FTC!
MS&AB can easily exit US market.
Thus, FTC can not prevent this acquisition.

This motherfucker stole my joke...

 

[ZehDon]

The current head of the FTC was approved with bipartisan support because she talked about reining in these tech giants. So that's what she's doing. Shes always making it public that they are outgunned by these companies.

Bipartisan support doesn't change the regulations the FTC uses; Khan's FTC is trying to reign in "tech giants" who aren't currently doing anything to be reined in under the regulations available to it. With no new laws or regulations, Khan's FTC is making noise for the sake of it. Again, she's trying to hold big tech companies to the fire for her perceived faults of other big tech companies. That's not how regulations work, and its why their probe into Amazon's MGM acquisition was a waste of effort. Same applies here, in my opinion.

I guess my only response to the rest is I disagree. The FTC made it clear and Microsoft argued things that are mostly unrelated to the complaint. They miscalculated and obviously tried very hard to sway the vote before it happened. I've repeated many times that the FTC considers things like divestiture as a remedy but Microsoft does not believe pretty much anything applies to them. Their whole COD 10 year deal dog and pony show proves they would rather focus on the sideshow rather than the concerns raised.

Fair enough, we don't have much more to say then. Best of luck.

 

[Ghost of Caelid]

It isn’t. Not when you steal all the time. Which is what MS do.

I agree, our supposed regulated market is terrible. Why this will go through with a slap on the wrist. “15 years of cod or so help me god.” All I can hope for myself is a benefit to me as the consumer Aka gamepass since it’s mostly to benefit their balance sheet.

 

[bender]

I cannot argue with this.

It will be sad when all of this ends. Both warrior camps accusing the "other side" of practices that both parties engage in regularly. The lack of perspective is something to behold.

 

[noise36]

Cant wait for the FTC to force Sony and Nintendo to make all their exclusives available on their competitors platforms.

 

[M16]

such a weak fuckin argument about the zenimax deal. if thats all they got, these imbeciles are going to get embarrassed.

 

[Swift_Star]

such a weak fuckin argument about the zenimax deal. if thats all they got, these imbeciles are going to get embarrassed.

 

[Jaybe]

These Microsoft ‘Goldilocks’ documents. Psychonauts 2, too cold for exclusivity… Minecraft, too hot for exclusivity…. But Starfield, just right

 

[skit_data]

Wow, I’m off the internet for like a day and this shit happens.

Well, no matter how you spin it I definitely don’t think MS expected this. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

 

[adamsapple]

Ok, so this is part of the script. Seen it a number of times already but we appreciate it.

What else you got?

Script ? I don't know if you guys do that, I'm just posting what's out there

Maybe you should read it. The conditions set out in 108 were not met (and even deemed to be "implausible"), so why did Microsoft decide to go against what they claimed they would do considering it would, in their own words, make the venture unprofitable?

116 outlines the reasons why they're exclusive, outcome is unlikely doesn't mean MS doesn't foresee those games as system sellers.

And 125 states that EU came to the conclusion that even afterward, there would be no material impact on the competition.

such a weak fuckin argument about the zenimax deal. if thats all they got, these imbeciles are going to get embarrassed.

Very likely.

 

[bender]

Cant wait for the FTC to force Sony and Nintendo to make all their exclusives available on their competitors platforms.

 

[DJ12]

We shall see what happens in court. Someone will be eating crow for sure. I don't even care about the deal, I just want Sony exposed publicly. Looking forward to it.

Obviously no point in trying to have a conversation with you idiots. I'm out until the legal fight begins. Jim's going to be exposed.

Theres many issues with your post, but perhaps the biggest is Sony arent involved and if MS try the 'they did this' approach you seem intent on them doing they will definately lose.

Seek professional help immediately.

 

[30yearsofhurt]

So many tears here today.

 

[The_Mike]

EU & CMA blocking is what Will kill this Deal.

CMA Sony holds All the power in the UK, it's scary lol

Ftfy

That's fucking terrible job by the ftc. Now watch sony scoop up the cod devs/licenses when Activision dies off or worse tecent

It's not a terrible job when this is exactly what they are aiming for. To defend competition and not consumers.

I mean, they shouldn't, but they do.

 

[Solidus_T]

Cant wait for the FTC to force Sony and Nintendo to make all their exclusives available on their competitors platforms.

Why would they do that? It's not like they are forcing MS to make any of their exclusives multiplatform.

 

[sendit]

People, hear me out:
Is there a chance that Hendrick's is Craig of War?

Now that you've mentioned it. I've never seen Hendricks or Craig of War in the same room.

 

[DavJay]

Pure corruption. The FTC is suppose to protect the consumers, not the competitors.

 

[DJ12]

These Microsoft ‘Goldilocks’ documents. Psychonauts 2, too cold for exclusivity… Minecraft, too hot for exclusivity…. But Starfield, just right

I assumed elder scrolls was the redacted game outed as exclusive in the ftc doc.

Yet here they are saying they need that ps money for it

 

[Bo_Hazem]

 

[vpance]

3-1 vote. RIP MS

 

[anthony2690]

Don't ever let this distract you. It's coming home.

Come on, we both know France will leave us with a bargain bucket butthole

But hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised, but I'm at work during the game

 

[gothmog]

Bipartisan support doesn't change the regulations the FTC uses; Khan's FTC is trying to reign in "tech giants" who aren't currently doing anything to be reined in under the regulations available to it. With no new laws or regulations, Khan's FTC is making noise for the sake of it. Again, she's trying to hold big tech companies to the fire for her perceived faults of other big tech companies. That's not how regulations work, and its why their probe into Amazon's MGM acquisition was a waste of effort. Same applies here, in my opinion.


Fair enough, we don't have much more to say then. Best of luck.

Amazon/MGM went nowhere with the FTC because Khan didn't have the votes until late May. They were down two commissioners and had one confirmed earlier this year. They're still short one but you can't have more than three from the same party in the commission.

I'm still confused as to what specific regulation or laws you are referring to? This shit is pretty murky because it is making judgements based on risk and things like theories of harm.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Maybe you should read it. The conditions set out in 108 were not met (and even deemed to be "implausible"), so why did Microsoft decide to go against what they claimed they would do considering it would, in their own words, make the venture unprofitable?

Yep. The exclusive announcement came well before stipulations could be met. And I still think it will be less revenue than if it were still third party since Bethesda games sold more on PS the past two gens, even more so now that you have a rental service and you admitted to losing $100-$200 per console unit sold. There be no profits in that regards.

 

[Gavon West]

Why do you think this deal would be a good thing for the gaming industry? Honest question. I don’t know enough to say whether it’s good or bad.

It immediately makes Sony have to up their game and think outside of the box by adding some much needed competition to the mix in the gaming industry. That will ultimately assist devs by adding new jobs, bringing more creative minds into the fold, more innovation in gaming. This in turn benefits gamers ultimately as gaming will reach new heights in gameplay, visuals, etc. At the end of it all, gamers will benefit exponentially! Keeping the status quo only hampers real progress in this industry.

It's time to change the game, my boys!

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

People, hear me out:
Is there a chance that Hendrick's is Craig of War?

If so. Meltdown suicide account thread is on the menu.

 

[Bo_Hazem]

Come on, we both know France will leave us with a bargain bucket butthole

But hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised, but I'm at work during the game

England has a top tier squad and probably the strongest if you look at subs. Have some faith.

 

[Bo_Hazem]

 

[anthony2690]

England has a top tier squad and probably the strongest if you look at subs. Have some faith.

But it depends who turns up, if we come to play like we did against USA, oh boy.

I applaud your faith and belief though.

If it's as strong as your belief in bryank, then maybe I could believe too

 

[LiquidMetal14]

So let's kind of get this straight in the fanboy or adolescent childish way some may be behaving.

Does this hurt Microsoft people that this may get rejected or more Sony people because some games nay not come to their platform?

These kinds of threads or content always divulge into the system war driven Photoshop fest.

Will anyone here lose sleep in this holiday season? Breathe!

 

[Swift_Star]

It immediately makes Sony have to up their game and think outside of the box by adding some much needed competition to the mix in the gaming industry. That will ultimately assist devs by adding new jobs, bringing more creative minds into the fold, more innovation in gaming. This in turn benefits gamers ultimately as gaming will reach new heights in gameplay, visuals, etc. At the end of it all, gamers will benefit exponentially! Keeping the status quo only hampers real progress in this industry.

It's time to change the game, my boys!

Sony is the only one innovating with VR.
What are you talking about?

 

[Sleepwalker]

Hope it collapses for maximum tears.

Won't affect me if it goes through tho.

 

[Gavon West]

“Giving peace a chance”. All these Microsoft execs are so strange with their messaging. They sound entitled as fuck. I wonder if it’s a company culture thing…

Dude, it literally applies. They tried to accomplish the deal in peace talks. Since FTC is suing, going to court is effectively going to war. The reprecussions after this is done will change the gaming landscape for good, regardless of which way it goes.

 

[Neolombax]

Pure corruption. The FTC is suppose to protect the consumers, not the competitors.

Are they not? Please elaborate