Bet: Will the Activision Deal close? - It has closed

[the-pi-guy]

Bobby Kotick says he made a bad prediction for the Switch

Said when he saw the prototype for the platform he thought the console wouldn't perform well in sales

Says "It was a bad decision" on his part to not support it more

— Benji-Sales (@BenjiSales) June 28, 2023

Seems like Kotick expected another Wii U...  

[Legend]

Didn't we all?

[kitler53]

NEW - Via an FTC vs. Microsoft exhibit: In 2019, Microsoft mulled trying to buy Square Enix. Unclear at what level this was pitched, but Phil Spencer gave feedback to the internal proposal pic.twitter.com/xYSVQUGTMt

— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) June 28, 2023

one of the clearest patterns in MS's acquisition strategy is to aquire those most closely working with playstation....

[the-pi-guy]

Just revealed Bobby Kotick and Nintendo have had active talks about the next-generation Nintendo console

Also says that apparently Next-Gen Nintendo console is close to Gen 8 power (PlayStation 4 / Xbox One)

— Benji-Sales (@BenjiSales) June 28, 2023

That doesn't feel like a huge leap...

[Legend]

That'd just be switch hd.

one of the clearest patterns in MS's acquisition strategy is to aquire those most closely working with playstation....

Lol wut?

Almost every studio they've bought has traditionally been xbox aligned or neutral.

[the-pi-guy]

Q Do you remember when the last god of war release was?

I don't sitting here, no.

Q 2017 seem roughly accurate?

I couldn't say one way or the other.

— Derek Strickland (@DeekeTweak) June 28, 2023

[SWORDF1SH]

Love the updates. Thanks guys!

[the-pi-guy]

The un-redacted Sony document also says Microsoft has signed Day One Xbox Game Pass deals for games that block that same game from releasing on competing subscription services

— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) June 28, 2023

Era had a large thread when it was Sony doing this...  

[the-pi-guy]

If it was up to me I would like to get rid of exclusivity on consoles, Nadella says

The dominant player has define market competition using exclusives.

I have no love for that world

— Derek Strickland (@DeekeTweak) June 28, 2023

Okay, so let's make it happen eh?

[Legend]

If it was up to me I would like to get rid of exclusivity on consoles, Nadella says

The dominant player has define market competition using exclusives.

I have no love for that world

— Derek Strickland (@DeekeTweak) June 28, 2023

Okay, so let's make it happen eh?

Bethesda must be feeling horrible through all of this trial. Oh you guys aren't important, we're not talking about you!

That Pete Hines email is telling.

[the-pi-guy]

Microsoft CFO Amy Hood's direct testimony has now been filed. Hood says Microsoft wants to increase Xbox operating margins to match other Microsoft businesses. She says Microsoft never assessed removing CoD from PS and that the Activision deal has to immediately make money ???? pic.twitter.com/qFVNMzJSoO

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 29, 2023

Sounds like hyperbole, just like Sony saying they'd be ruined if the deal went through.

But it could be the case that MS would see the writing on the wall if they lost this.


How does cma work? Microsoft just ignores them and merges?

The assumption seems to be that Activision will pull out of the UK, and MS will merge without CMA approval.
That's been talked about as nonsense for months, so not sure if that will actually end up being in the cards.

[the-pi-guy]

Furthermore, the CMA has made this application indefensiblya late, with no explanation. Finally, there has been no attempt by the CMA to explore – either with Microsoft or with the Tribunal – ways in which the burden might be eased. In speedy processes like this, the Tribunal stands ready to assist
– where it can – to ensure that inappropriate burdens are lifted. It is disappointing that such dialogue has not taken place in this case.

filing

Seems like CAT is not having it with the CMA.

[the-pi-guy]

About Zenimax

Chat between Stuart and Spencer being brought up, email was sent after Jefferies talk.

Mr Spencer says that "your words sure did stir up a lot of stuff."

"Wish we could just come out and say we were talking it all exclusive at this point."

Spencer said "We can't say that"

— Derek Strickland (@DeekeTweak) June 29, 2023

[Legend]

That's big, right?

[the-pi-guy]

Matt Booty warned about gun-jumping issue from talking to ZeniMax.

"We’re not able to make changes" until deal closes.

— Michael Acton (@MActon93) June 29, 2023

That's big, right?

I should clarify, the email was after Zenimax.