Xbox / Activision Acquisition Discussion

[rough cypress]

yeah if the deal goes through

[upper summit]

i heard it's done on monday

[nocturne vine]

Warcraft, Spyro, Crash, Diablo, Starcraft, Overwatch, Candy Crush, Call of Duty, Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Guitar Hero just to name a few

[rain escarp]

yeah today and Monday are the most important days, but will post here once something new comes up

[rough cypress]

well thats the deadline it could be extended but unlikely

[serene thistle]

If the appeal goes our way

[upper summit]

that's fr crazy, but microsoft ruined halo so idk how i feel about it

ok

[nocturne vine]

https://tenor.com/view/what-why-huh-steve-harvey-confused-gif-17449734

[upper summit]

bring me back to halo 3 days halo infinite so bad it's crazy

[rough cypress]

Microsoft owned halo from day 1

[nocturne vine]

https://tenor.com/view/rolling-eyes-gif-22773102

[lament wigeon]

Oh yeah, because Halo 3 was peak Halo. /s 💀💀💀

[upper summit]

it was fr

[lament wigeon]

It absolutely wasn't. Also, this has nothing to do with the FTC.

[rough cypress]

bungie doesn't make halo anymore though @upper summit

[upper summit]

[upper summit]

😭 there's the problem

what is bungie doing these days? i miss those fools

[rough cypress]

Sony

[upper summit]

W Japan

[nocturne vine]

Bungie would sell you Halo Infinite and would take out the first half of the campaign after a few months

[serene thistle]

@upper summit this has nothing to do with abk vs ftc

[upper summit]

sorry i digressed but it's all g

[nocturne vine]

Then give you DLC packs that aren't available anymore
Sell you season packs and event packs on top of expansions and even dungeon keys

Never make a "complete bundle" so you have it easier to get into. Then offer F2P version where basically most things are just locked behind money anyway.

Modern Bungie at its finest.

[upper summit]

the downfall started after 3 fr, bungie got greedy

[nocturne vine]

You have no idea what you are talking about honestly. Nostalgia glasses are too strong on you. You should try and get them off

[upper summit]

[winged cosmos]

https://twitter.com/fosspatents/status/1679889653317480454

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

Now the TRO's remaining lifespan short of a new court order is down to about 14.5 hours.

Office hours on the West Coast have begun. We may see some order soon that tells Microsoft & Activision when to file their opposition to the FTC's Hail Mary motion.

I'm keeping an eye on it

Likes

163

Twitter · Jul 14, 2023, 4:24 PM

[nocturne vine]

14 hours...

[short snow]

the countdown begins

[short snow]

bungie today is not the bungie in 2001

[upper summit]

😭

[upper summit]

anyone got TL;DR on how this even started?

[rain escarp]

reporters got word that Microsoft would try and close the deal early, so FTC put a block in place which then made the court case speed up in federal court

court went on for 5 days and FTC lost, so they trying to appeal

[short snow]

what happens if the deal isn't closed by July 18th? (july 18th is the deadline, right but isn't that also the deadline MS chose?)

[rain escarp]

yeah that was the original date they gave, if Activision back out now. MS have to pay them 3 billion. but we dont know what other things could happen as nothing has been posted

the restraining order from FTC that started this whole thing ends today, so if FTC dont have anything else to block then the deal should go through

[short snow]

awesome

[rain escarp]

Microsoft could close the deal at 12:01am if they really wanted to. or they could wait till Monday

[hallow valley]

We’re in the endgame now

[tepid wagon]

Almost to the finish line. Buckle up buckaroos.

[stoic sparrow]

avengers music intensifies

[tepid wagon]

I’m mostly just gonna be happy that all those talented studios that were sent to the COD mines, might have a second chance at life once (if) the deal goes through.

Toys for Bob, Raven Software, Beenox etc.

[rain escarp]

well yeah Xbox need content for Game Pass so they can make whatever they want which will be good. just like how we got Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded etc

[tepid wagon]

Toys for Bob/Rare present Banjo Kazooie

Also, Microsoft could bring back the legendary XBLA IP: Geometry Wars cause the IP will be theirs now.

Not to mention, the groundbreaking/sweeping changes that could occur as far as the network infrastructure of some of ABK’s biggest games.

Like, Phil just goes to the Blizzard offices and look at their server infrastructure for Diablo 4, which is clearly made out of silly string and duck tape and be like… okay we have to fix this.

[tough spear]

I have a date. 27th September. India are going to the moon quicker than I'll get this fixed. Very funny to me but also bit frustrating

[woeful siren]

GW3 was not as good as 1 or 2 though

[woeful siren]

which is clearly made out of silly string and duck tape and be like

Absolutely not.

[hallow valley]

They better not make a new Banjo before Spyro/Skylanders

[wooden rapids]

i feel like something as gimmicky as skylanders could only sell so well today

unless the toys to life part was completely scrapped

[woeful siren]

coudl you do anything with skylanders without buying all the pieces?

[wooden rapids]

you could of course, it's more how you needed them to begin with

obviously what you could do depended on what you have

[woeful siren]

at least with somethign like Kinectimals the real life toys did nothing more than unlock skins. you didn't need them at all

[woeful siren]

okay right that's my quesiton.

1. can you play the game at all without buying any of the toys

[wooden rapids]

don't believe so but most physical versions had them bundled in

[rain escarp]

I think if it were to come back there would just be a roster in-game to pick from

https://twitter.com/FOSSpatents/status/1679903633431834631?s=20

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

Microsoft and Activision have just responded to the FTC's emergency motion for an injunction pending the 9th Circuit appeal. Here's the document, followed by my rapid commentary.

https://t.co/SQwXFhn6En

🧵1/X

Twitter · Jul 14, 2023, 5:20 PM

[wooden rapids]

with something like lego dimensions for example, obviously you had the pack in stuff which could get you through the main campaign, but if you wanted extra levels and/or certain collectables throughout the levels, time to find that specific figure

[narrow talon]

Reading Florian’s commentary on the response.
Interesting points made in it.

[rain escarp]

yeah basically its a reply to what FTC gave yesterday for the appeals court to quickly read through and give decision today.. time is ticking

[nocturne vine]

I am reading the document instead of a commentary and the first point they are already making is the 3 billion they have to pay to Activision if the merge doesn't go through

FTC claiming it wouldn't harm Microsoft if the deal falls through... Not caring about 3 billion dollar smh

[rain escarp]

yeah they had to add in facts cause FTC left them out

[nocturne vine]

Honestly... I am absolutely baffled. This document goes on about how unprecedented FTC acted with this when it comes to scheduling. Everything comes at last minute... Which is indeed a good way of Microsoft fighting against the appeal.

[serene thistle]

Can the appeal ruling happen in less than day? Especially if ms just submitted their own statement today?

[nocturne vine]

That's what we all assume. But in general we don't know

[rain escarp]

either way if it doesnt happen, that Midnight restraining order ends today

they told the 9th District clerk last night they were going to give them the info asap. so likely court asked them to post it.

[serene thistle]

Yep. I always thoughts take forever but that just stereotype

[nocturne vine]

The FTC now perversely responds that the pro-consumer benefit of increasing access to Call of Duty is somehow anticompetitive because only one subscription service, Xbox's Game Pass, will have Call of Duty post-merger. Mot.14-15. But that is one more subscription service than the FTC's own expert predicted would have Call of Duty absent the merger. In characterizing this unambiguously pro-consumer outcome as anticompetitive, the FTC commits the cardinal sin of antitrust: mistaking a competitive disadvantage for a particular competitor (namely, the market-dominant Sony) with harm to competition and consumers. See Brunswick Corp. v. Pueblo Bowl-O-Mat, Inc., 429 U.S. 477, 488 (1977); Op.39 (characterizing post-merger expansion of Activision content to new platforms and delivery mechanisms as "[p]erhaps bad for Sony. But good for Call of Duty gamers and future gamers").
Sorry for the big text but... This is a REALLY good point

[serene thistle]

Isnt it nintendo then sony then ms in leading the market? How come they only reference sony and not nintendo?

[rain escarp]

thats how the FTC went with it, because " high-end gaming consoles " Nintendo wasnt part of it

[serene thistle]

Thats stupid switch is a gaming console lol

[nocturne vine]

That's what the judge said
As in she agrees that Switch is also in the same market

[rain escarp]

yeah but they were talking mostly about 9th Gen. and felt Switch wasnt part of that

[nocturne vine]

Stadia spokesperson also said they were actually competitive with PC, Consoles as well. Which then results that PC, Switch, Xbox, PS and Cloud are potentially in the same market. Cause they all are battling against each other for the customers

[rain escarp]

but then that Robin Lee was making statements about 8th Gen lol

[narrow talon]

Switch technically has lower specs (it is a 2017 console after all) but if you can buy a Switch instead of a Xbox, then it is the same market.

[rain escarp]

either way its gonna be over soon

[narrow talon]

Wasn’t the Stadia spokesperson someone the FTC had as a witness to prove Stadia was not a competitor or something else Stadia related?

[nocturne vine]

Specs do not matter. No matter what anyone says

[nocturne vine]

Exactly.

[serene thistle]

If its a console then they are competitor not just becuase sony and ms have such a big rivalry

[narrow talon]

Yes, they don’t matter.

[nocturne vine]

They all have the same market. Just with different ideas. They all want to sell games and get their customers to play games. Doesn't matter if the games are Zelda or TLOU or Halo

Nice... They are using the Minecraft Dungeon on PS+ argument

[pure haven]

You know when you see locker rooms spraying champagne everywhere whenever a team wins a championship?

That's what Microsoft's office is gonna look like once all the paperwork is inked

[nocturne vine]

Yeah

[rain escarp]

Florian still says even if the decision doesnt come, they can still close after tonight.

[valid axle]

evening catching up

[rain escarp]

hey

[narrow talon]

The MS staff that made the deal possible should take a vacation when it closes.
I think they deserve it.

[pure haven]

Yeah I agree

Even if it's like a weekend long thing

[serene thistle]

But its still before noon on pacific time

[rain escarp]

yep, just over 11 hours left I think

[serene thistle]

Most offices dont close til 5 or 6pm

[narrow talon]

So by 8 or 9 in my area (EST) is when we should expect to hear the decision come down. Got it.
If I could be a fly on the wall during all this decision making I would.

[rain escarp]

well yeah I dont think that court are going to stay up just to post a decision late.. when the restraining order ends at Midnight anyway. but yeah I am just going by what these other people are saying. who have been in the courts and know things

we got this aswell :- https://twitter.com/FOSSpatents/status/1679914520385290250?s=20

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

I guess the decision will not be made close to midnight. There's a 20-page motion and a 40-page response. Maybe the FTC will now still try to file a reply brief. Anyway, it shouldn't be hard for the 9th Cir. to throw the FTC's Hail Mary motion out!

🧵39/39

Likes

183

Twitter · Jul 14, 2023, 6:03 PM

guess I will make dinner now and just refresh later

[lament wigeon]

40 pages. Hoo.

[narrow talon]

Roughly 12 hours to go until the TRO expires

[winged cosmos]

https://twitter.com/fosspatents/status/1679929487717277696

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

Noon on the West Coast. 12 hours to go until the expiration of the TRO, unless the appeals court allows itself to be gaslighted by the FTC.

This is the state of the docket as of now. Hopefully there won't be a blocking decision and I wish they could just close at midnight!

Likes

127

Twitter · Jul 14, 2023, 7:02 PM

[foggy matrix]

US Court Systems close at 5pm respectively. Worth mentioning.

[pure haven]

Pretty confident every party except the FTC is gonna do everything possible to move this along ASAP

[narrow talon]

I presume that is time zone dependent correct?
So in this case, the court would close at 8pm est since it’d be 5 pm on the West Coast.

[foggy matrix]

respectively, yeah

Now

it shouldn't have a difference, but it is a Federal case, so it might be Washington DC dependent for the final submission of verdict.

[rain escarp]

9th District is all anyone keeps saying so just waiting

[foggy matrix]

9th circuit

[rain escarp]

so is there like 1st,2nd 3rd etc?

[foggy matrix]

so that would be west coast

yeah. Circuits cover regions

[rain escarp]

been really cool to learn new things over this past what 19-20 months

[nocturne vine]

Yep I agree

[narrow talon]

https://twitter.com/fosspatents/status/1679943537092173829?s=46&t=pcX0Q9nnPaXAvKY5i6RfGw

This suit again?

[rain escarp]

yeah those 10 gamers who filed ages ago cause of Call of Duty

[narrow talon]

I know it has nothing to do with the 9th Circuit appeal going on, but news is news as they say.

[wooden rapids]

yeah I can't imagine that passing

[valid axle]

the judge all ready told them they dont really have a case

[dim raven]

https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/styles/lead/public/circuit_map_in_agency_palette-full-size.png

[lament wigeon]

Oh I'm annoyed that it's not in order. 😂

You got the east coast going in order, then all of the sudden you got the 6th and the 11th.

[dim raven]

you live in this place.

has it ever made sense

[lament wigeon]

Yeah no, not really. 💀

Can we like...get Arkansas the hell out of the 8th circuit? Put them in 5, 6, or 11. 👀

Oh whoops, forgot about that one.

I would say 10 but that would just make New Mexico mad.

[near charm]

I thought this was Hunger Games for a sec

[nocturne vine]

Bad Kylie! Bad!

[balmy thorn]

Im seeing floods of tweets saying we won, what happened??

[rain escarp]

because after Midnight and if Microsoft close in US, FTC cant do anything

but yeah US Court closes at 5pm PT

[valid axle]

I see a few US folks on twitter saying its great that Microsoft come to some agreement with CMA for UK, that Microsoft could sell cloud right in UK to get the deal though . Let me ask us folk would you want comcast to control cloud in the US?

[balmy thorn]

But for uk we gotta wait until it's august 29th right?

[woeful siren]

blizzard had to do a deal with china ot host many servers, and we see what happened with that

[valid axle]

EE are run by BT and much worse than comcast

[woeful siren]

azure in china is also run by a 3rd party and that's also a fiasco

[rain escarp]

August 29th? no.. there is a case management going on 17th July... August 29th is the max allowed time they have could be anytime inbetween that

[balmy thorn]

Oh so they're gonna make a solution by the 17th

[rain escarp]

or has many have said they could be allowed to close in UK and just work in parallel with UK to get things sorted

[balmy thorn]

Or am I wrong

[rain escarp]

they just gonna talk over things and what could happen infront of the UK Judge

[balmy thorn]

Thanks for the heads up

[rain escarp]

starts at 2:30pm for 17th apparently will be livestreamed too

[balmy thorn]

But after us court closes, what does this mean for gamepass or for us consumers?

[balmy thorn]

Hopefully we get something good out of this

[narrow talon]

Assuming the deal closes, no immediate effect, but a bunch of AB games would be added to Gamepass in the future minus those with preexisting contracts.

[rain escarp]

Game Pass is ages away yet.. they got to get all these other things done first.. and then there is an event like they did with Bethesda which is gonna inform people of all the studios and talk about different things welcoming them into Microsoft

loads of things to do yet though yeah

[woeful siren]

Also: peopl eneed to remember that "going on game pass" doesn't mean "going on Xbox consoles"

[balmy thorn]

Hopefully meaning near future

[rain escarp]

loads of people are waiting for the Game Pass drop. but yeah nobody would know till it happens.

[balmy thorn]

I mean I'm focused about this for game pass, there's no other reason tbh

[narrow talon]

https://twitter.com/dmoptions/status/1679922881696808971?s=46&t=pcX0Q9nnPaXAvKY5i6RfGw

[serene thistle]

Agreed. Getting ms to close is a win

[narrow talon]

Can someone explain what this means exactly? As stated earlier, I know zilch about stocks

[rain escarp]

because its close to merging.. people cant bid on or get more stocks/shares in the company

its being taken off trading on Monday or one of them anyway

[valid axle]

because abk is a public company

[woeful siren]

being removed from an index is tnot the same as being delisted

taht tweet is also not about that

[drifting valley]

People on TikTok have been celebrating for the past 3 days thinking that Microsoft owns ABK now 🤔

[valid axle]

https://tenor.com/view/boburnham-inside-netflix-internet-computer-gif-21887509

[wooden rapids]

people on tiktok aren't too sharp and it shouldn't be considered a reliable news source

[drifting valley]

Totally, I just think it’s funny, most of them roasting PlayStation 😂

And then when I tell those people that what they’re saying isn’t quiet right, they start fights with me, I just don’t bother anymore 🤷‍♂️

[lament wigeon]

Yeah I don't let myself interact in TikTok comment sections. Or YouTube ones either. The general public of those spaces are about as dense as a neutron star.

[winged cosmos]

some people have been celebrating since January 18, 2022 not realising they're not owed yet 😆

[drifting valley]

BYE WHAT?! 😭

[balmy thorn]

https://twitter.com/PeterOvo5/status/1679952038149406720?t=7DooD_jXBMUBdr24ds0ReA&s=19

Exclusive? The hell?

[wooden rapids]

exclusive to the service, yes, not exclusive to xbox and pc

[balmy thorn]

Oh so it is coming to game pass

Lets gooooo

That's all I needed to hear

[valid axle]

no

[rain escarp]

yes we have been telling you this for ages, I am just saying Sony still have a contract in place till 2024, so you may not see new CoD in GP for awhile. and also they have in the same contract blocked certain games dont know how far back for CoD either

no point worrying over it, it will come

[valid axle]

the post is talking about the judge thinking cod will be exclsive too gamepass because sony refused too allow Xbox to put it on PS Plus

the FTC are lynching on too it in there appeal

[rain escarp]

Sony didnt want to put it into PS Plus cause they want their $70 payments

same reason why they dont do day one releases into PS Plus. and it comes later

[winged cosmos]

well their $21 payment 😆

70:30 split

[rain escarp]

lol

[balmy thorn]

I know, I know.

It's just better to hear it from the judge

[valid axle]

it not the judge who decides if cod is on gp

[balmy thorn]

And old cods will come in the future, I know it's not immediate and I know it's not after the 2024 contract

[balmy thorn]

Oh

[winged cosmos]

it may very well be after the 2024 contract depending on Sony's anti-competing services clause in their contracts

[balmy thorn]

Anti Competing?

[winged cosmos]

most Sony exclusivity contracts have stipulations about when the game can be added to competing services such as game pass

their cod contract may very well cover the whole series not just the recent games

[balmy thorn]

Most people said quite the opposite, we'll see, but I hope it doesn't

[nocturne vine]

Already 1 am here. Might go to bed instead of waiting

[valid axle]

1 hour left of court day 👀

[nocturne vine]

Okay I keep up then lol

[rain escarp]

I been refreshing, nothing happened yet.. also watching a Bruce Lee film lol

[winged cosmos]

been working through borderlands 2 achievements and occasionally refreshing twitter

[valid axle]

they may not make it public right away unlikely but its posable they have 7 hours after the court closes but unless FTC are going too the judges home and getting them out of bed.....😆

[winged cosmos]

I wouldn't put it past them 😆

spend some tax pay money on a fog horn and a taxi ride

[stoic sparrow]

ye. I got a 10 paragraph rage essay over ice cream on tiktok 💀

[nocturne vine]

I don’t have anything open besides discord

[rain escarp]

that other guy commented, and says 8 hours for them to reply, could be why Florian went to bed lol

[gritty geyser]

https://tenor.com/view/nunchaku-approved-approve-ok-thumbs-up-gif-12321252

[winged cosmos]

well that and he slept like 4 hours last night then woke to break down the FTC and MSFT documents

then the CAT appointment

[rain escarp]

yeah he has been busy and those twitter spaces

[valid axle]

news dropping

Its been Declined

[rain escarp]

yeah Timdog just mentioned something not seeing anything here. I keep having to switch between. 'for you' and 'following'

[valid axle]

as in the appeal

[rain escarp]

https://twitter.com/MActon93/status/1679992453326323712?s=20

Michael Acton (@MActon93)

#Microsoft #Activision - 9th Circuit DENIES FTC injunction

Twitter · Jul 14, 2023, 11:13 PM

very good

[valid axle]

@nocturne vine

[lament wigeon]

So... I mean this is it then? The deal pretty much closes by Monday?

[rain escarp]

yep

[wooden rapids]

good

[winged cosmos]

@nocturne vine now you can pop open the beers

[wooden rapids]

worst soap opera ever

[lament wigeon]

@bright gale

[wooden rapids]

to celebrate i will be doing nothing

[valid axle]

https://tenor.com/view/stone-cold-steve-austin-beer-bash-drink-beer-drinking-beer-wwe-gif-16765941

https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1679992787033288704

Tom Warren (@tomwarren)

the 9th circuit has denied the FTC's request for injunctive relief

Twitter · Jul 14, 2023, 11:14 PM

[nocturne vine]

Time to go to bed. Finally lol

[valid axle]

night

[nocturne vine]

Could even be today or tomorrow

[honest flare]

Judge Corley denied the appeal and then the 9th circuit denied again lol. L after L

https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1679992787033288704?s=20

[wooden rapids]

the world shuts off on the weekend, they could but they probably won't

[rain escarp]

restraining order ends at 11:59 PT

[idle mantle]

Don't they still need to sort the CMA stuff too?

[winged cosmos]

they can close over it, but it sounds like they might not

as they want to resolve the CMA rather than close and deal with the backlash

[rain escarp]

yeah close over and work with CMA in parallel I dont know.. they wanted 6 weeks extension from 18th July to work things out.

[valid axle]

yes but they can still close in USA

[wooden rapids]

and then what, Xbox owns activision?

[valid axle]

i think this order scaps that. They could close right now if they want too

[winged cosmos]

nah last line, existing briefing schedule remains in effect

deadline is still 11:59pm

[winged cosmos]

https://tenor.com/view/well-yes-but-actually-no-well-yes-no-yes-yes-no-gif-13736934

[rain escarp]

my Twitter is going off lol

[winged cosmos]

Activision would still be operating fully independant until the CMA situation is resolved to avoid fines

[valid axle]

twitter is going too crash

[wooden rapids]

and how soon will that be over with

[winged cosmos]

doesn't it do that anyway 😆

[winged cosmos]

that was not the reply button 😆

[wooden rapids]

5 seconds of fame

[winged cosmos]

anytime between now and August

by law the extension is 6 weeks, but the CMA don't need to use the full 6 weeks

the article was just triggered because their current deadline was Wednesday which didn't leave them a lot of time

[wooden rapids]

on a technicality i can cross off "pinned in the xbox discord" off my list

[rain escarp]

and likely get most of it talked about during 17th July

[agile epoch]

@rain escarp is it going to be called microsoft activision blizzard king

[wooden rapids]

no?

why would they rename the whole company

[winged cosmos]

no it's going to be called Activision Blizzard King

the same way Zenimax is still called ZeniMax Media Inc

[agile epoch]

Uh

[lament wigeon]

Microsoft Activision Blizzard King Bethesda. 💀

[agile epoch]

But activision became activision blizzard

[wooden rapids]

so?

[winged cosmos]

because they fully merged

[agile epoch]

So microsoft becomes microsoft activision blizzard king

[shy marlin]

No

[winged cosmos]

ABK will still be operating as an independant business

[stark jasper]

but it's going to be Xbox Bethesda Activision Blizzard Showcase.

[rain escarp]

they still operate separately, no way ABK with 17K employees would get pushed into Microsoft like that..

[winged cosmos]

just under the oversight of Xbox Game Studios

[shy marlin]

Bethesda is still running more or less as an independent business

[sonic cairn]

Hope the CMA doesn't manage to kill the deal somehow

[agile epoch]

Lol alr

[lavish snow]

It's over

[agile epoch]

So i guess they just get funding from microsoft and give their profits to microsoft then?

If they need to

[valid axle]

its over when Microsoft say they have merged with ABK

[lament wigeon]

I'm assuming ABK is gunna be roughly the same? Now under Microsoft, but able to frolick in their own fields, as it were.

[sonic cairn]

I don't trust the CMA to not screw this up somehow

[agile epoch]

How do we know activision blizzard king is going to not flop after microsoft

[rain escarp]

how they gonna do that, Microsoft would go back to the CAT if they got problems.

[valid axle]

yes also what funny just said. They have to run like that because of the UK situation

[agile epoch]

Acquiring

[lament wigeon]

Me neither. That's why I hope what Paul said happens. Close and then work with the CMA to fix anything else.

[winged cosmos]

I remember reading that yeah, they're left to operate independently still but report into Phil

[balmy thorn]

LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[agile epoch]

Huh? Was my msg removed?

[shy marlin]

Here, read about "limited integration studios" rather than me trying to talk about it: https://mspoweruser.com/microsoft-acquisitions-retaining-great-talent-xbox/

[agile epoch]

Nvm

[lament wigeon]

Oh lmao, I totally missed Funny's second message.

[valid axle]

https://twitter.com/Qwik/status/1679995472818376705

Mike Ybarra (@Qwik)

https://t.co/E5venr1gbD

▶ Play video

Twitter · Jul 14, 2023, 11:25 PM

[winged cosmos]

found the quote straight from Phil

[balmy thorn]

So now that FTC is denied, we just gotta end the UK situation then I can relax

[balmy thorn]

WHAGWHSHEVWHSGBEJS

[winged cosmos]

I don't know what that reaction is about, that quote is 19 months old 😆

[agile epoch]

Are people that don't use gamepass going to benefit from this? @rain escarp

[winged cosmos]

it's nothing new

[balmy thorn]

Oh....
At least it's still coming to game pass

[shy marlin]

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/how-minecraft-and-mojang-taught-xbox-how-to-buy-studios

[rain escarp]

Microsoft putting their games into Cloud Services and Call of Duty, Nintendo getting Call of Duty. and loads of other things

[balmy thorn]

He still said it

[lament wigeon]

Potentially, because if it goes through Microsoft/ABK would have a say in any third-party contracts. No more of Sony's year-long garbage once their contract expires.

Or at least, that's my understanding.

[lavish snow]

The users of boosteroid and geforce now are going to feast

[shy marlin]

What's "it" ?

[balmy thorn]

If the Wii has cod, then anything's possible.

[rain escarp]

Boosteroid, N-Ware, Ubitus, Geforce Now. and another one I am forgetting

[agile epoch]

I feel like normal non xbox gamepass users would benefit from lower prices? And not much more

[balmy thorn]

.

Em

[winged cosmos]

they were always coming as we said to you like 45 minutes ago with knowledge of the above quote

[shy marlin]

You said "at least it's coming to game pass"

[rain escarp]

oh EE is getting a deal out of it somewhere too

[shy marlin]

there's no it in the quote

[winged cosmos]

nowhere in it does it confirm Cod to game pass

just some ABK games

[shy marlin]

just "as many ABK games as possible"

[lament wigeon]

I don't think the prices of ABK games are gunna be lowered specifically for Xbox. That would...pretty much cause a divestiture overnight.

[charred night]

I hope Diablo 4 makes it in gp. I have it on Xbox but I want to play it on pc

[winged cosmos]

probably no data usage while streaming xcloud on the EE network if I had to guess

[limpid sequoia]

Is this confirmed now for the UK?

[balmy thorn]

It = COD

[wooden rapids]

"as possible"

[shy marlin]

Yeah, I don't know where you got that from

[winged cosmos]

it does not = cod

it = some of the ABK catalogue

[shy marlin]

Anyway, reading is essential

[balmy thorn]

Maybe cod

[agile epoch]

Im assuming they will go on sale more often, or something, because with games with gold and ultimate they can give "permanent" -10% discount, no?

[honest flare]

If Todd Howard ever retires then i can see bethesda being folded into MGS

[rain escarp]

big win though for gamers, that went on for a long time.

[woeful siren]

We’ve been quoting things all day that don’t exist lol

[shy marlin]

Yeah, longer than all day

[winged cosmos]

not the recent news from yesterday, they signed an EE agreement like a month or 2 back

[lament wigeon]

If they're a part of Gold or Game Pass, probably.

[winged cosmos]

but no conformation of what it is

[wooden rapids]

i wonder how many times we gotta tell people that game pass will not have cod for a few years before it finally sticks

[sonic cairn]

I'm more hype for the ton of old IPs Activision owns possibly getting a chance to live again 😌

[agile epoch]

Oh, i see, but i think resellers would have lower prices then

[charred night]

When was the deal announced? Like in 2021? Lol

[winged cosmos]

https://twitter.com/XboxP3/status/1645668066578276352

Phil Spencer (@XboxP3)

Microsoft and @EE are expanding our partnership with a 10-year commitment in cloud gaming to bring PC games built by Activision Blizzard, following the acquisition, and Xbox to @EE customers. We are committed to bring more games to more people, however they choose to play.

Likes

6637

Retweets

806

Twitter · Apr 11, 2023, 6:00 AM

[limpid sequoia]

Ah cool thanks, I totally missed that

[rain escarp]

cheers funny was just looking for that

EE just partnered with Nvidia aswell to bring more games. in their 'cloud bundles'

[balmy thorn]

What's EE

[shy marlin]

1/8/22

[valid axle]

yeah they been selling GPU for some time, BT bundle it into there TV and BB packages and EE bundle it into mobile packages. You only save £1 a month though at the moment

[shy marlin]

Everything Everywhere All At Once

[rain escarp]

yeah £10 a month isnt it bundled in

[winged cosmos]

they sell console and games too 😆

dipiing their fingers into all the pies

[wooden rapids]

great movie

[charred night]

Oof

[balmy thorn]

Nah seriously

[rain escarp]

its my Twitter anniversary? 14 years 😄

[wooden rapids]

EE

[shy marlin]

Well

It used to stand for "Everything Everwhere"

hence my joke

[balmy thorn]

EE Sports

[balmy thorn]

What does it stand for tho

[woeful siren]

Wait it was announced on the plummet not the day of the rise?

[wooden rapids]

it stands for EE

[narrow talon]

The Activision content in the old Game Room application for Xbox 360 about to become Microsoft owned soon but not immediately.
No idea why I remembered that application existed.

[winged cosmos]

Everything Everywhere, which in 2012 they shortened to just EE

[agile epoch]

Isnt that a movie

[wooden rapids]

maybe google knows

[neon siren]

Hi, didnt knew this existed

[agile epoch]

What about her

[balmy thorn]

They just sell tech, I thought it was a game company or publisher

[winged cosmos]

18th was the public blog post so that rise is more than likely because of it

[winged cosmos]

they're a telecom company, the UK's number 1 to be more precise

they do more than just "sell tech"

[balmy thorn]

For intelligents like you, you guys sure do know how to get a person's mood down

[agile epoch]

Oh damn, are you sure

[mystic hinge]

Where oh. Where are my master chief cosmetics for Warcraft /j

[wooden rapids]

why thank you for calling me intelligent, but no need to flatter me

[valid axle]

it went back up when they announced

[agile epoch]

Is that tod howard in ur profilepic

[balmy thorn]

I tried to say it in the friendliest way, so you're welcome. But who knows tho? Old cods could come

[agile epoch]

Black ops 2?

[valid axle]

no close maybe look again 😅

[balmy thorn]

That's what I see people on Twitter saying

[agile epoch]

Paul spencer

[wooden rapids]

random twitter users are not a reliable source of news

[balmy thorn]

Old cods come soon, new cod comes later 2025

[agile epoch]

It must be true then

[balmy thorn]

Not even peter ovo?

[agile epoch]

From the short time ive used twitter i dont think they would have any reason to lie

[wooden rapids]

who the hell is peter ovo, this server doesn't allow leaks or rumors

[rain escarp]

why would you put trust and believe anyone on Twitter, if they arent someone official and know whats going on.

[woeful siren]

I trust Peter Gabriel more than some random TikTok celeb

[balmy thorn]

Bro he's not like that, he's just really a fanboy of xbox

[woeful siren]

Right, a fanboy is not an official spokesperson

[balmy thorn]

Ok

[wooden rapids]

so not a reliable source of news, thank you for confirming

[rain escarp]

that Peterovo person as posted atleast 6 different "coming soon" images this past week.

[winged cosmos]

yeah Peter OVO is a massive fanboy and his posts shouldn't be touched with a 10 foot barge pole

[balmy thorn]

At least diablo and other games might come soon

[valid axle]

Jez just made a good point on podcast-- This will be so good for everyone some of those people at abk who will cash out on this will go and make new studios for everyone to enjoy

[woeful siren]

There are already a dozen lol

[balmy thorn]

We don't need anymore studios

[valid axle]

new ones that have come from people selling out from abk

[valid axle]

of course we do

more studios more competion more games for everyone

[rain escarp]

we need content to feed Game Pass so there always needs to be more

[balmy thorn]

Btw Paul is that a picture of you with Phil?

[winged cosmos]

as with all acquisitions (and especially one of this size) expect layoffs at ABK

[woeful siren]

Well that is obviously not true. More games is good for everyone.

[balmy thorn]

He never mentioned game pass so I didn't know, but that's good

[valid axle]

some Managers and SNR will leave too

[rain escarp]

this whole thing has been to bring more content onto Game Pass for people to enjoy

[mystic hinge]

He wants to be your sledgehammer

[balmy thorn]

After saying that cod will take two years

[rain escarp]

PC Game Pass gonna be really good

[valid axle]

who knows what mike may do he my feel it does not want too be linked too xbox again but who knows

[winged cosmos]

17,000 employees is quite a lot to inherit

[balmy thorn]

.

[rain escarp]

you telling me you have no games to play? I have a huge backlog and everything thats coming rest of this year and 2024

[valid axle]

yes

[balmy thorn]

Congrats for meeting the goat

[balmy thorn]

I do but I just really really like cod

My favorite game on game pass so far was hitman, the urge to kill in different ways.

[mystic hinge]

What....

[balmy thorn]

I'm a psychopath.

[lament wigeon]

Damn it cut off a whole part of the "now I'm sad" audio.

[balmy thorn]

Like I said, you guys sure do know how to get a person's mood down.

[balmy thorn]

Nope, I heard it

[winged cosmos]

it's called being realistic

[balmy thorn]

Well maybe don't say it and we'll see when the layoffs happen

[mystic hinge]

I've worked at 2 companies as they merge it's a fact of life

One was Comcast when they were trying to buy twc and one is my current job.

[lament wigeon]

I honestly never even thought layoffs could happen, but in hindsight, I kinda feel a little stupid for not seeing the possibility coming.

[winged cosmos]

typically it happens withing 3-6 months

[mystic hinge]

They remove the low preforming people usually like what funny said around 90-180 days

If you are low preforming and aren't adjusting to new changes they will typically remove people. Or by the acquisition it may now have redundant positions.

[rain escarp]

https://twitter.com/BradSmi/status/1680005266878910465?s=20

Brad Smith (@BradSmi)

We appreciate the Ninth Circuit's swift response denying the FTC's motion to further delay the Activision deal. This brings us another step closer to the finish line in this marathon of global regulatory reviews.

Twitter · Jul 15, 2023, 12:04 AM

[rough cypress]

another L for the FTC

[winged cosmos]

Florian was a little bit off with his guess 😆 https://twitter.com/FOSSpatents/status/1679954640710914049

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

@fancymonday more like 10h, barring unexpected developments

Twitter · Jul 14, 2023, 8:42 PM

although now he's sleeping peacefully and will awake to twitter being on fire

[rain escarp]

just have to wait and see what CMA do now, they the only ones really standing in the way of this. and they been watching and waiting to see what FTC were doing.

time for bed, catch you all later

[valid axle]

Its possible that the deal with CMA is done. But microsoft and the CMA wanted too talk too CAT 1st. Also they maybe did not want too say anything with what was happening with the FTC. They likely been working for sometime and have the deal in place with EE

CMA will call it a win because they got MS too give rights too EE for cloud and look there is a USA Tech giant investing in the UK were open for business

Microsoft will call it a win because the deal goes though

the deal will then close on Tuesday after CAT

[idle mantle]

He woke up 😂

[winged cosmos]

yep just popper up on my feed 😆

https://twitter.com/FOSSpatents/status/1680011797384908802

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

Game over for @FTC. The appeals court declines to enjoin the transaction.

I went to sleep a little bit because I wasn't lying when I said I was fairly optimistic and there was only a residual risk.

🧵1/X

Likes

440

Twitter · Jul 15, 2023, 12:30 AM

his breakdown of the decision

[gritty geyser]

😂 https://vxtwitter.com/Shpeshal_Nick/status/1680002740561526785?t=o5GEJkCttmIThegH9wmSZA&s=19

[serene thistle]

Does that mean ms can close

[drifting valley]

Did we win yet?

[lean imp]

The TRO doesn't expire until midnight pt. After that, they're free to close the deal.

[woeful siren]

Sure. One of a thousand steps was completed today b

[median wave]

@kind gust A lot of stuff. Basically saying very likely we see it happening before Monday. But there’s still that chance

[kind gust]

yea i saw some twitter thing abt all cods being on cloud gaming so im wkndering if its true

its universeoxbox or sum

on twitter

[median wave]

It’s not unfortunately

[kind gust]

man

[median wave]

Best we could see cod coming to Xbox soon is 2024

Newer cods till 2025

[kind gust]

aw

[wise osprey]

https://www.gamesradar.com/ftcs-appeal-in-the-microsoft-activision-blizzard-case-gets-shot-down/

[rugged thunder]

Appeal was denied, Microsoft can close the deal without the CMA, FTC fumbled so hard they lost 25% of their funding yesterday

[woeful siren]

That’s not the right Analysis of their budget lol

[drifting valley]

Bye bye Bobby

So can we officially pack watch Bobby no maybe

[idle mantle]

His golden parachute will break his fall

[drifting valley]

Also Xbox do kill off battlenet please

[narrow talon]

Gonna be honest, I forgot Battlenet existed.
I am curious how MS handles it especially since they always distribute their first party games through Windows Store and Steam.
For now I assume it stays up until things advance further.

[woeful siren]

Battlenet is a lot more than an app launcher / store. It will be a long time before the actual battlenet can be turned down.

Heck activision doesn’t even have the full battlenet architecture deployed across their existing games because changing that type of system is so much work

[drifting valley]

Ir can be whatever it once the day the structure changes and battlenet gets killed off im partying

[short snow]

👏

[woeful siren]

Why?
Overwatch being playable in countries that blizzard doesn’t have data centers in, WoW and StarCraft and Diablo being able to chat across games, HotS tournaments working, being able to report toxicity, being able to sync Hearthstone decks across platforms including iOS…
Those are all super handy things

[foggy matrix]

honestly the best thing would be to merge bnet with xbox app. but that is not remotely a simple task

[astral juniper]

The FTC took the biggest L in 2023 they should be renamed to the LTC

[shy marlin]

FTL was right there

[hushed gust]

So Xbox now finally owns Activision/blizzard?

[rain escarp]

not yet

[narrow escarp]

Idk their 13 year fight and ultimate loss against IBM is probably a bigger embarrassment for the DOJ/FTC

[hushed gust]

Wym

[rain escarp]

they can close in the US, but still have more regulators to deal with

[hushed gust]

Like cma?

[rain escarp]

yeah they have a meet up on Monday to talk about certain things think it starts at 2:30pm BST

livestreamed aswelll

[hushed gust]

Oh ok

[nocturne vine]

Well gonna listen to it. Hopefully right after the hearing they gonna close the deal

[drifting valley]

I'ma be honest if I'm playing wow chatting with my friend playing that's playing Diablo is the last thing I'll be thinking of besides I'm sure 99% of us would choose not to use battlenet if everything was on steam

Also reporting toxicity is a feature it can have without it 💀

[drifting valley]

Tbh I would take this then having 20 more launchers yes 20 launchers is sarcastic but true

[valid axle]

Floriian- I think the ABK borad would be open too extend the deadline to end of Aug to give the UK more time. This could mean a change in the terms of the deal such as the share price. But this is very unlikely since this would take longer too approve with the ABK board.

the 2 major share owners in ABK is Bobby and warren buffet - berkshire hathaway both are very happy with the terms. Its worth noting that it unusual for something like this too go on so long

the borad could vote over the weekend or on monday and this is very likley too happen. Microsoft do not want too close over the CMA it would not look good for the future

[rain escarp]

yeah Tom Warren did a spaces and pretty much said similar about not closing over CMA, either way we dont have enough info till Monday

[nocturne vine]

We will see how it goes on monday first

[valid axle]

https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1680219003061514241

Tom Warren (@tomwarren)

The FT is reporting that Microsoft and Activision could extend their merger agreement. They don’t have to have a formal agreement in place, though. I still firmly believe Microsoft won’t close over the UK, so we might be looking at a small delay to closing https://t.co/doajXQwObH

Twitter · Jul 15, 2023, 2:13 PM

[chrome sandal]

Microsoft winner

[silk turtle]

You really don't read do you?

[narrow talon]

A extension to the agreement means the ride never ends.
Looks like we are in for the long haul.

[chrome sandal]

Microsoft to sign on July 18 and activision to merge with Microsoft

[lament wigeon]

Where's your proof that's what's happening?

At this point you're gunna need to start citing sources since nothing you say is lining up with the facts.

[narrow talon]

You do realize the above tweet mentions the closing time could be extended right?

[chrome sandal]

CMA postponed its decision to be announced on July 18 for a long time.

I think microsoft will leave the UK

[valid axle]

The CMA and Microsoft agreed to pause and sit around the table too talk. Its thought that Microsoft will sell the rights too cloud in the UK too EE/BT. There is a hearing on Monday and we know more than.

[chrome sandal]

I guess there won't be xbox cloud gaming in the UK

[valid axle]

The 18th July is also nothing too do with the CMA they pushed that date too the 28th ages ago. But that does not matter right now because they agreed too pause

[chrome sandal]

CMA's concern is cloud gaming

[rain escarp]

yes, but they need all regulators to approve before anything else happens. CMA agreements extends by 6 weeks but they might not need that long. so still could be August before its fully complete

[woeful siren]

Yes all the features can be done without battlenet infrastructure.
All they have to do is go back to every one of their games, including ones that haven’t gotten updates in years, and replace huge chunks of them with completely new tech to test.
This should take about a week and will only need maybe 2 people at most.

[valid axle]

would you be happy to pay for gamepass too microsoft then have too have an other sub for cloud with EE?

[rain escarp]

I only use cloud to test games or for rewards, I will just install everything from now on

[valid axle]

yeah i mean cloud is not everything but its nice too have. I would prefer that than us not having gamepass or ABK gamepas on GP

Were going too get screwed but it be the better of the options

[woeful siren]

That’s the spirit!

[narrow talon]

https://twitter.com/fosspatents/status/1680225156298317828?s=46&t=pcX0Q9nnPaXAvKY5i6RfGw

[lament wigeon]

That would be the best outcome. Close but work with the CMA, if only to just make all this stuff end.

I don't particularly think the CMA is unwilling to change their stance at this point (I figure we'd have probably heard something by now, but maybe that would have to wait for Monday), but even so, closing now could be good.

[nocturne vine]

Would be better than dragging this on for months

[valid axle]

Microsoft wants too be seen as the good guy. Closing over the CMA before 29th Aug will not show that. It does not look good. They could also face fines.

The CMA fined Meta for closing over them before £50 million

But of course microsoft could make a case on Monday for closing and the CMA and or CAT could agree

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-fines-meta-a-second-time-for-breaching-enforcement-order this one was 1.5m

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-58980442 50 mill

[balmy thorn]

Anything new?

[valid axle]

nah its the weekend nothing will really happen till monday, But its become likely that the deal may not close for a few weeks unless Microsoft shows a case too the CMA & CAT on monday witch they likley will

[balmy thorn]

How long will they drag this for

I knew there was a reason they extended the deadline

[valid axle]

it could go on for as long as it takes

[balmy thorn]

They could've sold a part of cloud to the uk like what they thought of

[valid axle]

i fairly sure that the CMA can not extend again with in UK law they only allowed the 6 weeks. But its very likley that a outcome could come before then.

[rain escarp]

yes but thats why the deadline has been moved to talk about that

[balmy thorn]

Hopefully

But at least we now know playstati- I mean the FTC can't do anything so there's a guarantee we're getting ABK

[valid axle]

https://twitter.com/FOSSpatents/status/1680225156298317828

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

Correct: the CMA could allow closing the deal while the investigation is ongoing, even if subject to some requirements ("hold separate"). But only because they could allow it doesn't mean they will do it. Let's see.

Likes

316

Twitter · Jul 15, 2023, 2:37 PM

[balmy thorn]

That's good to know

[valid axle]

this what what the EX legal director said today the CMA and Microsoft have declined too comment

[balmy thorn]

Well at least this ended in a good way

Or will end

[valid axle]

The FTC case too appeal will still be heared the moation only stopped the TRO that stopped it closing. The appeal could still happen after the closer in the 9th court

or the FTC could choose not too carry on with it

[balmy thorn]

So the 9th circuit wasn't the final chance for them to appeal

[valid axle]

it is yes but the ruling yesterday was on the TRO not the appeal

[balmy thorn]

But you could say yesterday was one step closer

And at least I haven't got rejected 3 times lmao

If you told me the FTC got rejected 3 times I wouldn't believe you

[valid axle]

its unlikely the FTC will choose too carry on with the case.

1. they are under a lot of lime light they have lost 4 out of 4 cases they brought.
2. Washington and congress are not happy with how the FTC are doing things.
3. if an appeal was heard after the closer then the option would be divestment making Microsoft sell part or all of the company. The FTC said in there appeal docs that they do not think divestment possible in this case because of how ABK will be its own company

[balmy thorn]

That's also good to know

[balmy thorn]

Thanks for the heads up

It's been fun seeing the FTC getting rejected 3 times

I wouldn't mind the 4th time too

[valid axle]

At this point i think you can say the deal will close its just when it will close. It hard too give a date because we know that Microsoft and the CMA have been talking around the table. Its thought that Microsoft have said that they will sell the rights too EE/BT for cloud in the UK. But we do not have any details. Anything could happen on Monday the CMA could say to CAT we want too allow microsoft to close right now but we have caveats or they may have an other view

with out knowing what MS and CMA have been talking about exactly its hard to say anything at this point till monday when the hearing happens

[rain escarp]

yeah exactly we have zero details right now till Monday, so guess we go play games or something lol

[stark jasper]

I want a succession-like show about all of this

[oblique halo]

30 years time

Dad can you tell be the story of the battle metween xbox and FTC

[nocturne vine]

‘You see son…. Once there was consoles…’

[hallow valley]

Man it’s scary to think that if cloud gaming becomes real, Xbox and Sony and Nintendo might just be developing TV’s with cloud gaming apps on them instead

[rain escarp]

TVs already have cloud gaming apps on them

especially Samsung

Samsung hub has Nvidia, Xbox and some others

[valid axle]

there will always be consoles and local hardware

[stoic sparrow]

"WOW Dad you saw people fight in the console wars?!"

[nocturne vine]

‘Yes my son. We fought with what was once called tweets…now they are theads’

[woeful siren]

Sony already does. So does Samsung. And others

[wooden rapids]

that's never going to be the single option

just about every cloud gaming developer realizes that yes, local is better, cloud has its benefits but right now the average consumer isn't going to have the speeds to only cloud game

stadia was mocked to its grave

[woeful siren]

“Mocking” is not what killed stadia

[hallow valley]

True, I tried to us Xcloud to play Ori during my lunch break at school and it was laggy beyond playability

[wooden rapids]

which is not what i said, i said that it was mocked throughout it's time in the gaming industry alongside the real problems, my apologies if it came out different

[wooden rapids]

well since the ftc trial is over will this thread be closed? or will it be repurposed into the remaining CMA stuff

[valid axle]

it isnt over

[wooden rapids]

are they not closing in the US in a few days?

[valid axle]

maybe

The FTC can still appeal if they still want too go down that road. Only the TRO extension the order too stop them closing as been declined.

They also will Likely wait for the CMA

[hybrid wave]

how long would the CMA take?

[pure haven]

Just a matter of time now

I'm sure Phil Spencer is in his evil lair now, staring off into a lightning storm swirling his wine glass

[hybrid wave]

"go forward gamepass, lead with convenience for the masses 😈 "

[trim bramble]

I'ma join the 'when this happens..' talk with what i want..

starcraft

lets gooo

[woeful siren]

But…. It….. it is…… already free…….

[trim bramble]

a new one

smh

[rough cypress]

anyone know if the CAT thing with Microsoft and the CMA will be streamed and if it is where do I watch it

[lofty marlin]

Scroll up to find out more. It was posted yesterday or so.

[stoic sparrow]

this is where our "involuntary donations" are being used 🫠

[dull loom]

https://twitter.com/xboxp3/status/1680578783718383616?s=46&t=iG0comKVtowBcP17HxiO0Q

it didn't embedded but resuming, Playstation did to take the L and give up, now they accepted a deal

[lavish snow]

We're truly in the endgame now

[oblique halo]

It's over

It's done

[rain escarp]

yep all eyes on tomorrow then to see whats up

[nocturne vine]

Imagine being such a sour loser that it takes 2 days before the final date that you sign a contract. Just petty as hell

[rain escarp]

wasnt expecting news on a Sunday morning lol

[nocturne vine]

Wasn’t expecting sony to sign the deal at all until after the acquisition. But this is now sony admitting defeat

[winged cosmos]

The Aus/NZ deadline is at 1pm, 1.5 hours before the CAT hearing

9am Eastern is 30 minutes before the CAT hearing, tomorrow could be a large day or a nothing-burger 😆

[nocturne vine]

I think we gonna hear that the deal closes tomorrow now that the sony deal is signed

[oblique halo]

Do the regulators even matter to a point when the complainer just admitted defeat lol

[winged cosmos]

still matter, since regulators are there to protect consumers not the complainers

[rain escarp]

so many things going on I dont know anymore, even Florian I think its mainly speculation though he says Monday/Tuesday close but then goes on to say it may take longer

[oblique halo]

Depends if CMA still have objections

[rain escarp]

the thing for me though is that Microsoft have told FTC for so long about the 18th July date. that if it goes longer couldnt they start complaining or not?

they still have that thing 2nd August too

[hybrid finch]

Honestly my favourite part of all of this is that Activision owns Crash Bandicoot so we just stole one of the original PlayStation Mascots 😁

[nocturne vine]

Two. Spyro too

[hybrid finch]

That too

[nocturne vine]

But I doubt that Microsoft will make them exclusive. I would welcome it but I think they are scared of how people would react

[oblique halo]

Who cares

Sony only cried about cod and they wouldn't share if it was the other way

[cold jewel]

I’m glad i can get CoD on cloud cause my wifi SUUUUUUCKS rn

[nocturne vine]

Microsoft does. Xbox got so much bad pr the last few years.

[oblique halo]

Because lack of exclusives lol

[cold jewel]

Wait… Xbox will own Warcraft too

[lament wigeon]

I know this was already discussed, but posting a tweet here for future reference (and because some people only scroll here for tweets...cough 👀).

https://twitter.com/XboxP3/status/1680578783718383616?t=nz50MuxgXNEXyQI_Co5_2A&s=19

Phil Spencer (@XboxP3)

We are pleased to announce that Microsoft and @PlayStation have signed a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. We look forward to a future where players globally have more choice to play their favorite games.

Likes

25198

Retweets

3998

Twitter · Jul 16, 2023, 2:03 PM

[nocturne vine]

Not because of lack of exclusives. Xbox got so much bad pr left and right for so many things. From making Starfield exclusive to wanting to buy activision to redfall etc.

[oblique halo]

Goalpost moving

[cold jewel]

Wait so is CoD gonna be on cloud or not-

[oblique halo]

Make exclusives

Wait not them

[rough cypress]

xbox cloud?

[cold jewel]

Yes

[rain escarp]

yes, CoD will be part of Cloud, they signed deals with cloud providers already.. just UK Cloud service might get spun off into a 3rd party. wont know details till maybe tomorrow

[cold jewel]

Will it be there in US as well?

[rain escarp]

its worldwide yes

[cold jewel]

Finally, i’ve been dreaming about this ever since cloud gaming came out

[rain escarp]

EU made it so, they had issues with cloud and made Microsoft give out free keys if they own the games they can choose where to play their games. like Geforce Now, Boosteroid etc

[worldly spoke]

Hopefully some of these will change soon...

[cold jewel]

Yeah, spyro needs a new release same with banjo and whoever the guy on the far right is, (i’m thinking conker?)

[worldly spoke]

It is Conker

[narrow talon]

Yeah that is Conker

[cold jewel]

I’m surprised i guessed that right even though i’ve barely seen conker in videos and never played their game

[woeful siren]

“Nothing happens on the weekend”

[cold jewel]

This doesn’t mean it’s gonna be PS exclusive right- no wait of course it wont cause it’s prob gonna be on cloud

[trim bramble]

It's going to be everywhere

Basically

[silk turtle]

It will be released on PS just as it is now.

[trim bramble]

Didn't they sign a thing with Nintendo too?

That feels forever ago

[silk turtle]

It would be a very silly move to take CoD away from PS when there's a significant playerbase there. With games being cross-platform now, it would be harmful to the playerbase to lock it out from a platform that has more players than the one that owns the IP

[silk turtle]

Yep

[cold jewel]

I’m glad they won’t make it exclusive cause that may break me because i want those old CoDs on cloud

[trim bramble]

No idea if they will end up on cloud

[silk turtle]

Don't get your hopes up too much on that.

Not saying it 100% won't happen, but I personally don't think we'll see them all added on cloud.

[cold jewel]

Mainly i really wanna play the old MWs and BO1/2

[silk turtle]

I'd say there's a much lower chance of the older titles being added to cloud, especially 360 ones.

[cold jewel]

I only have BO1 and BO2 on console along with MW2022

[trim bramble]

Most games aren't on cloud

So the odds of all of the cod games going to it seems minimal

[silk turtle]

We're not even going to see all of the CoD games on Game Pass, never mind cloud.

[trim bramble]

Yep

[cold jewel]

I know eventually every single game will be on at least one of the many cloud services

[silk turtle]

I doubt that very much personally.

[trim bramble]

https://tenor.com/view/84-years-titanic-old-ancient-gif-5071803

Me when it's all on cloud

[cold jewel]

Cloud VR will eventually explode into popularity when the tech is actually prepared for the world

[trim bramble]

Maybe. No telling where tech gets popular really. VR is still very niche

[cold jewel]

Meaning eventually all gaming will literally be STATIONED on le 1n73Rw3B5

[trim bramble]

I'm still just hoping we get a new StarCraft /hj

[cold jewel]

Imagine if we get unlimited free warcraft sub as a gamepass perk

[silk turtle]

Hope not

[cold jewel]

Well maybe not unlimited but yeah

[silk turtle]

None at all.

[trim bramble]

Pls no

[silk turtle]

And I play WoW. I'd rather keep paying.

[cold jewel]

Actually yeah same lol

[silk turtle]

Occasional cosmetics or mounts, sure. Subs? Hell no.

[trim bramble]

Huge wave of new people to an established game...no ty

[cold jewel]

Yeah that would be overwhelming lmao

[silk turtle]

Not just that. It would take away revenue from the game if too many move to 'free' subs. So then it would end up absolutely riddled with mtx to make up for it. Things are bad enough already.

[trim bramble]

Yep

[cold jewel]

People made mods for WoW on controller so it may eventually get a console port

[trim bramble]

Not even mentioning what a pain it would be in here.

[silk turtle]

It's not good enough with controller

It's okay for basic stuff like gathering, levelling an alt with small things. Late/end game or serious playing, it's terrible.

It would also hold back PC development if they had to cater everything to console and limited controls.

[cold jewel]

the copilot feature would be SOOOO useful for WoW, so I could play WoW with my mom (and possibly get her into MMORPGs)

[trim bramble]

Porting PC games to consoles is... yeah. Good point

[kind crown]

Hmm, so guess not even a 10 year limit either

[cold jewel]

But yeah rhinne thats a VERY good point

Maybe a new xbox chatpad could be made for WoW or smth lol-

[trim bramble]

Ok. I'm off to pride! Have fun in here peeps!

[silk turtle]

Games have to be playable with a standard controller.

[cold jewel]

I mean like for the late game

[silk turtle]

Other optional control methods are fine - steering wheels, flight sticks, KB&M etc - but any game released on Xbox has to be fully playable with a controller.

With the exception of Kinect titles, obviously.

[cold jewel]

Oh yeah lol thats the only way a game can even BE on xbox

Speaking of the chatpad a new one could be useful

[woeful siren]

Connect a keyboard?

[silk turtle]

That I will agree with. If this one ever breaks, it's hard to find a replacement.

[cold jewel]

But you cant attach it to the controller-

[woeful siren]

The chat pad was really neat, yes.
But there are a hundred different tiny keyboards available now that weren’t available back then

[silk turtle]

I don't want to have a keyboard connected for the little I'd use the chatpad. I have a keyboard here already for my Mac. Another would be in the way.

[woeful siren]

Xbox mobile app has a keyboard in it too of course

[valid axle]

its starting to come together but the sony deal does not really mean too much. CMA still concered over cloud. FTC can still appeal after the close.

[silk turtle]

That's no good for when I want to take a screenshot quickly with the chatpad shortcut button though.

There's plenty of uses that make the chatpad a better solution.

[nocturne vine]

Yeah FTC was the main factor for the cod deal. CMA focus is cloud.

[cold jewel]

If they can connect to the console wirelessly i can use it cause i have the Xenon and my normal controller is dead

[kind crown]

If they got a better deal than 10 years then I guess the arguing and moaning worked out for Sony in the end

[valid axle]

they didnt they got the same deal as everyone else that they turned down months ago.

[kind crown]

Has it even been documented yet if it’s 10 years or not?

[cold jewel]

I wish there could be official physical console frame swaps, cause i want to put a series x (if i ever get one) into a 360 S frame

[nocturne vine]

They turned it down because they wanted to kill the deal. Now that it’s very likely that Microsoft gets Activision they wanted to sign the deal while they can

[silk turtle]

As tired as I am of exclusivity, I do hope that the agreement isn't for 100% equal content. It's Xbox's turn to get some bonuses via Game Pass - Double XP, +25% XP if in a party, skins etc as Game Pass perks.

[valid axle]

its the same deal that they offered too everyone

[kind crown]

Source?

[cold jewel]

Yeah, i’m tired of having no skins in MW2022

[cold jewel]

This would be really cool lol-

[valid axle]

Microsoft have already said that they will not change the terms in court

[kind crown]

All I see online is that they came to a deal we don’t know any details more than that

Verge says it’s not clear if it’s still the 10 year deal or not

https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/16/23792215/sony-microsoft-call-of-duty-cod-deal-signed

[nocturne vine]

I very much doubt they would go beyond the 10 years

[cold jewel]

Custom frames on consoles would seriously be amazing (sorry that i’m slightly off topic)

[kind crown]

I wouldn’t count it out either

Guess will see at some point

[valid axle]

they already said that going beyond 10 years isnt feasible

[kind crown]

Well things can change, idk none of us are probably lawyers

[valid axle]

Yes but not when microsoft said they will not. When sony refused too sign last time they wanted all games included forever. Brad smith said many times joking that he walks around with the deal in is pocket so Sony can sign anytime. They made is extremely clear that was it.

[nocturne vine]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVr12Cjm9JI After everything is through... I would love to see something like this but with Activision

[valid axle]

a round table would be good

[nocturne vine]

Will happen for sure. But I would just love a video of showing all the IPs. Even some older ones.

[stark jasper]

Acknowledge [prototype] and I’ll be happy.

[wooden rapids]

prototype on gp would be hype

[foggy matrix]

But if they do a Round Table that'd mean we'd have to look and listen to bobby Kotick most likely unless they bring specific studio heads on

[valid axle]

yeah, i heard people say they will not do a round table because they will not want too give Bobby the time. But yeah they could have other people maybe Rod and Mike

i'm perty sure he will resign with in 48 hours of it been closed anyhow

[idle mantle]

https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1680641337891201024?t=Vd8JxDnUCkl-LHAz2lhmRA&s=19

Tom Warren (@tomwarren)

Update: Microsoft has confirmed to me that Sony's Call of Duty deal is for 10 years https://t.co/yq4GadNGAi

Likes

348

Twitter · Jul 16, 2023, 6:11 PM

For people who were questioning the 10yr

[chrome sandal]

this real Activision blizzard approved

[sly kiln]

Is that a typical length for deals like this? Interesting to see that we won't see a modern CoD game on GP until I'm 27

[chrome sandal]

Call of duty coming game pass finally

[sly kiln]

In 10 years

[chrome sandal]

[sly kiln]

We might see older ones but 10 years minimum for the stuff we got now I guess

[chrome sandal]

Microsoft winner

[rain escarp]

no thats their agreement to playstation, Microsoft first gave them 3 years and then 5 years. then agreed to 10, but Sony declined each time. this just means CoD will be on Playstation for that long

during the 5 day hearing Phil said on Oath that they would keep CoD on Playstation but seems Sony wanted the 10yr deal now

[sly kiln]

I hope they keep putting CoD on PlayStation, lotta wasted potential not having it on both consoles

[rain escarp]

Cod Contract with Activision is the one thats ending and this will be the new one. and maybe we see the new games on GP at some point too

[stoic sparrow]

The FTL made Phil Spencer say under oath that Cod will stay on ps

[idle mantle]

That's what the agreement is. To keep COD on PS for 10years

[idle mantle]

That's not what this is saying at all. But we won't know when they'll come to game pass until officially announced

[chrome sandal]

Guys please answer. Microsoft bought Activision blizzard right

And approved?

[rain escarp]

same as the last time you asked

until we see Microsoft posting that its fully approved I would just wait for that from official place

[valid axle]

the TRO as ended so they free too close it wasn't approved

[rain escarp]

tomorrow New Zealand's turn, and they talk with UK. those are the final 2 if I remember correct. Australia tomorrow aswell?

Australia have been really quiet dont even remember a date

[valid axle]

think so

So say there cut off is at 1pm UK time tomorrow so just before the CAT hearing

[wooden rapids]

all i really wanna see happen with cod is have older games patched from the cheaters

[stoic sparrow]

Impossible

they are like william afton. They always come back

[drifting valley]

Microsoft signs to merge with Microsoft Let's gooooo

Idk

[stark jasper]

[idle mantle]

Canada just said, we're not sure, but didn't do anything so their date has passed lol

[nocturne vine]

Canada to Microsoft :

https://tenor.com/view/south-park-buddy-guy-friend-canadian-gif-6183589

[stoic sparrow]

going down to south park gonna have myself a time

[nocturne vine]

Friendly faces everywhere

[stoic sparrow]

humble folks without temptation

[hallow valley]

Kinda disappointed that my home country disaprovee of the the deal

[quiet ice]

how do you think we americans feel about the FTC's nonsense? lol

[hallow valley]

Ok but Canada makes a lot less stupid choices than America usually

[idle mantle]

Canada may have disapproved but they didn't actually make an effort to file against it

[valid axle]

we do not like it but will accept it..

in away canada was smart they knew that trying too stop it would just be a nighmare and cost to much money

[idle mantle]

Exactly

[valid axle]

do we like these 2 companies merging NO
is it worth fighting for it too be stopped NO

[idle mantle]

I think having concerns is natural, but also realizing you don't want to or feel the need to fight it is fine too

[hallow valley]

It does suck how most media we consume is produced by the USians of America, or the Japanians of Japan… us canadanese people in Canada lack our own media culture

[idle mantle]

Canadians produce a lot of our own media. Also , why canadanese?

[hallow valley]

Marvel, DC, Power Rangers, Pokémon, even my beloved Transformers all come from those places which sometimes I do question my love for Transformers due to its ties with America military cults

[idle mantle]

Right now, with the strike, no one is creating much of any media

[lofty marlin]

I'm sure canada has newspapers and media outlets...just like other countries.

[hallow valley]

Just making humour by using funny names

[idle mantle]

I don't appreciate you mocking the country we live in.

And Simon, yes, we have a lot of TV and movie production outlets here too. Creating a lot of great TV programming

I find this interesting. The 10yr only applies to COD https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1680665085482598401?t=C96XsYU30cVK2k8OaiasvQ&s=19

Tom Warren (@tomwarren)

Microsoft has confirmed to The Verge that Sony's 10-year Call of Duty deal is limited to CoD. Microsoft originally offered to keep "existing Activision console titles on Sony”, including future versions of current Activision games on PS till end of 2027 https://t.co/yq4GadNGAi

Likes

2605

Retweets

408

Twitter · Jul 16, 2023, 7:45 PM

[valid axle]

yep

[hallow valley]

It’s my country too, I was using funny names for all the countries so… chill

[median wave]

While I don’t like exclusives but I do wish the rule didn’t apply to all existing ips from ABK aren’t allowed to be made exclusives. I would love to see a Spyro game or smth do boost the Xbox in releases.

Right now I’m more or so looking towards what’s next that isn’t only rpg from Xbox.

Maybe some platformers too.

[idle mantle]

Until the end of 2027. I assume that means they could be exclusive after that

[median wave]

Oh neat.

[idle mantle]

I'll defer to waiting until things are officially announced though, because I'm just reading and going off what this says.

[median wave]

Idk why I have the urge when it completely negates that thought but as a Xbox player that doesn’t really like to play RPG’s. I just wish there was more to offer.

[valid axle]

the oringail offer said about other games till 2027 but this offer signed today is just about cod.

thats what Tom is pointing out

[nocturne vine]

What paul just said. Original email was still from the ftc hearing

[idle mantle]

Thanks for clarifying. It was sort of fuzzy to me. I thought it was 10 for cod and until 2027 for others.

[nocturne vine]

That was the original deal yeah. But since it’s crystal clear now the deal gets through there is no leverage anymore so that’s why only CoD is included anymore

[rain escarp]

ah well Sony messed around and thats what they got

[valid axle]

I expect Microsoft too keep everything there is now on PS and support them. Just like they do with Bethesda

[solid jasper]

So when do you guys think microsoft will officially own activision?

[valid axle]

CODS Everywhere
New IPS Just Xbox PC and the Streaming serves that Xbox have signed
Existing IPs already released no change
New titles for exiting IP Not released Will be case by case but main focus xbox

[valid axle]

no one knows could be next week could be in september

[solid jasper]

Ah

[rain escarp]

yeah just keep an eye on socials and stuff cause once thats out, you will definitely know lol

[solid jasper]

Would be cool to see cod on gamepass even tho I already have most of the cod games lol

[balmy thorn]

Anything new other than the binding agreement?

[nocturne vine]

I honestly doubt that crash and spyro will be kept on ps. Or something like Diablo or Starcraft. Warcraft yes but the rest? Nah

[balmy thorn]

I'll take that as a no

Oh wait is the case management today?

[wooden rapids]

because nobody responded to you within a minute?

[balmy thorn]

I thought doom would

[balmy thorn]

.

[wooden rapids]

nobody is going to respond immediately

[balmy thorn]

That's my number 1 bad habit

I don't get patient and I don't think I can help it

Just like how I always ask about cod

[valid axle]

right I clarified later #1123658752697049109 message

[valid axle]

tomorrow 230pm bst

https://twitter.com/FOSSpatents/status/1680689744760406016

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

In the cloud gaming context the FTC argued that Microsoft gets to pick winners and losers through its 10-year deals. Didn't make sense anyway, but in the console business they can't even make that claim anymore: everyone in that business has a deal with Microsoft or is Microsoft.

Likes

313

Twitter · Jul 16, 2023, 9:23 PM

FACTS^

[woeful siren]

https://vxtwitter.com/Colteastwood/status/1680679099621339136?s=20

[lament wigeon]

That's what Jim gets for being so damn petty.

Don't get me wrong, I know businesses are gunna business, but...like...really, Jim?

[dim raven]

If I thought, as a C-level, I could convince two government bodies to do the dirty work to levy a team against a vertical merger of my competitor, I'd do it.

job security ++

[oblique halo]

Now it's being said close Tuesday

Just finish already

[gritty geyser]

https://tenor.com/view/finish-him-fatality-kick-liu-kang-baraka-gif-16210933

[narrow escarp]

Complex financial transactions are slow

[rain escarp]

https://twitter.com/diane_alter/status/1680720138360717313?s=20

Diane Alter (@diane_alter)

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission re $MSFT $ATVI “We are closely monitoring developments in other jurisdictions, including receiving regular updates on the substantive issues from the parties & relevant stakeholders. The ACCC review timeline remains suspended.”

Twitter · Jul 16, 2023, 11:24 PM

[gritty geyser]

Translation: We dunno.. uhh.. let's let those other guys figure it out

[rain escarp]

well yeah they all waiting on UK

[stark jasper]

prototype name drop

[hallow valley]

I’m 100% a fan of the Activision acquisition, but I feel Microsoft doesn’t need to get anything else afterwards, they’ll be more than big enough

[drifting valley]

Activison definitely slowed down their acquisitions but they’ll get more once it’s all settled, much smaller acquisition I’d assume

[rain escarp]

https://twitter.com/DMOptions/status/1680814075209723905?s=20

DM Options (@DMOptions)

Business day has concluded in NZ. Their decision/report has been completed but hasn't been released yet. Australia put out a statement saying they are monitoring things.

Feeling like we'll get some sort of coordinated release of news with UK/NZ/Aus/Canada shortly

Twitter · Jul 17, 2023, 5:37 AM

not sure why Canada was added they cant say much now as they were too late

[nocturne vine]

I think AUS don’t have anything to complain about cloud as they would need about twice the time till cloud is sufficient enough

[rain escarp]

yeah they already tweeted and said pretty much waiting on everyone else.

[nocturne vine]

I just saw an interesting point...
Microsoft is now Sonys biggest third party publisher

[drifting valley]

Sounds like aus and NZ were just waiting on UK tbh, weird

No one wanted to not be the awkward odd one out friend by agreeing while the other friend disagreed I guess?

[nocturne vine]

Remember there was an email where Ryan asked about Bethesda games being included in the Activision deal and asked about "Game subscription parity".
Man...

[silk turtle]

Any time he fights for parity, they should make sure that means no haptics and adaptive trigger support on PS.

[nocturne vine]

Ha lol

[rain escarp]

https://twitter.com/FOSSpatents/status/1680846296091881472?s=20

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

It's getting late in New Zealand for the @NZComCom merger ruling. 7:45 PM there now. I did say in yesterday's Twitter Space that they might want to incorporate the latest news--the Microsoft-Sony agreement--into their decision. Maybe that's the reason.

Twitter · Jul 17, 2023, 7:46 AM

[nocturne vine]

https://twitter.com/fosspatents/status/1680652414817370112?s=46 At 2:35
Sounds like Florian thinks Sony gave up their Deal with Activision for COD Marketing and exclusive content. That would be interesting

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

https://t.co/KQdvcLAlkZ

Twitter · Jul 16, 2023, 6:55 PM

[rain escarp]

lol Investors are messaging Florian to ask whats going on. everyone getting impatient today

[winged cosmos]

The market feels it’ll close https://twitter.com/fosspatents/status/1680894437382053889

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

The market now appears to believe that closing is virtually certain. Don't look at the 90.07 at the top, but at the line that says "Pre-market 93.85 +3.78 (4.20%)" and the steep increase at the right end of the chart.

Twitter · Jul 17, 2023, 10:57 AM

[rain escarp]

do you know if its the same link as all the other Case Management for the stream today. think it had like 1590cnc or something in the link

[winged cosmos]

Main page will probably be updated just before with a link stating [Watch Livestream] https://www.catribunal.org.uk/cases/159041223-microsoft-corporation

[nocturne vine]

About 2 hours and 15 minutes till it starts

[drifting valley]

Till what starts

[winged cosmos]

Todays Competition appeal tribunal case management conference

[drifting valley]

I thought they was doing some work with to please them

[winged cosmos]

That’s with the CMA not the CAT

[drifting valley]

Then who's cat

[winged cosmos]

The CAT are holding a CMC to consider the application for adjourning

@rain escarp teams call link: https://catribunal.uk/1590Microsoft obviously hasn’t started yet though

[rain escarp]

cheers

[drifting valley]

Teams is it on linux

Web app thank god I don't have to install anything

[nocturne vine]

An hour and a half till it starts

[drifting valley]

It says 8am my end

[nocturne vine]

2.30pm uk it says. So it's an hour and a half

[honest flare]

The formal trial is still pending. If Lina khan took this case personal especially after the grilling by congress then i dont see her dropping it lol. FTC needs to let this one go

[nocturne vine]

They most likely wont

[rain escarp]

yeah still gonna be going on for awhile. August 2nd wasnt it

[nocturne vine]

Unless they get no PR from it... Which then they would let go

[kind crown]

Joined the link, says it starts at 3pm on the title but will check in 15 mins

[nocturne vine]

It's live for me rn

[winged cosmos]

You are the chosen one the.

[rain escarp]

yeah I just have a white screen

[nocturne vine]

It says hearing will begin shortly for me

[rain escarp]

now it says " cant load live event, try rejoining "

[foggy matrix]

It just loaded the feed

like...just now for me

[rain escarp]

yeah loads of people trying to get in most probably

[nocturne vine]

Dark... pls

[winged cosmos]

Yeah literally just loaded 😆

[nocturne vine]

😩 We know what has been said before right?

No recording in any kind or form.

[foggy matrix]

yes. of the hearing

the hearing has not started.

[nocturne vine]

Pretty sure the picture is also not allowed as that was the case with the FTC thing

This the endline. Hopefully it's good

[kind crown]

started for me now

[nocturne vine]

same

[foggy matrix]

he really said: "This camera's staying on"

[nocturne vine]

Yep haha

[rain escarp]

I cant get in, so will just check Twitter. Florian doing a good job as usual

[narrow talon]

Yeah I’m doing Twitter checks through Florian as well.
All while listening to Smash Ultimate’s Final Destination theme, which I find appropriate given the circumstances.

[foggy matrix]

the Application in question is the one submitted by the CMA to Stay the Barring of the Acquisition, correct?

effectively the CMA Applying to Block the Deal?

[winged cosmos]

15 minute break

[rain escarp]

already

[winged cosmos]

Giving them time to breakdown all the information thrown at them

[nocturne vine]

From my understanding : This is to halt the final order from the CMA (Final Order being the block) till the end of the CAT which would give Microsoft the right to close the deal.

Now the CMA and Microsoft want it. So they are standing in front of the CAT to convince the judge to halt it. So that Microsoft can finish the acquisition. But the Judge has serious concerns that he wants to get cleared. CMA and Microsoft now sitting probably together to discuss their further process

[rain escarp]

saw the Judge being strict so thats helping as CMA got problems leaving it so late to sort this out

[nocturne vine]

One of the major reason is the FTC failing in court. He says he has concerns about that affecting the CMAs decision

[drifting valley]

Tbh in theory if the cma wins the case could Xbox close under them and just remove cloud

[nocturne vine]

I understand where that is coming from tho. Judge being unhappy that CMA reacts to world events rather than thought out conclusions

[nocturne vine]

This right now is CMA and Microsofts interest. So if they convince the judge then they could close. But we don't know what was said behind closed doors with the CMA. So we might find out later today.

[winged cosmos]

https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1680938961370316800

Tom Warren (@tomwarren)

this CAT hearing is being held so that it can better understand why Microsoft and the CMA want to pause the appeal. Justice Smith has made it clear that the decision won't be no today, but that he may need more time for an additional hearing with other tribunal judges present

Twitter · Jul 17, 2023, 1:54 PM

The reason for todays hearing in plain English

[drifting valley]

Is the teams unlimited people or first what

[rain escarp]

1000

[drifting valley]

I'm in it this time

I got in a hour and 30 minutes early

[rain escarp]

I been trying apparently hit with a teams bug that says to try rejoin

repeats the same thing over n over

[jolly berry]

Xbox / Activision Acquisition Discussion

[drifting valley]

Mine just says recording isn't allowed

[kind crown]

I'm just watching in the browser

[drifting valley]

So we are allowed to text what's going on but not record or stream that's good

[drifting valley]

Same

[honest flare]

Here is the link - https://t.co/l3JDoWEOso

[drifting valley]

Microsoft buys cat /j

[nocturne vine]

That scared me lol

[rain escarp]

wow this stay is for 2 months

[drifting valley]

In other news there goes crash and spyro

[nocturne vine]

That is their own fault

[narrow talon]

Ironic, given their origins.
Also I still find Activision going first party ironic given their origin story.

[hallow valley]

Only sad thing about this whole ordeal is I wasted $25 getting Spyro when it’s coming to gamepass in the future

[rain escarp]

just be happy that theres gonna be tons of other games from the studios that are new coming to GP

[foggy matrix]

if you enjoy a game then is it wasted money?

[hallow valley]

Don’t take my comment too seriously 😩

I have considered buying the Crash games, but I’ll wait until he’s on gamepass

Granted the sale on his games rn is pretty good value

[drifting valley]

Skylanders 👉👈

[nocturne vine]

That's why following news in terms of this always helps. I haven't bought a single Activision/Blizzard game for the past months because of all of this

[drifting valley]

I don't know if I apply to this I'm buying og cod games while they are on sale

[trim bramble]

I buy games bc I want to own them forever/support the devs. 😅

game hoarder or something.. but digitally?

[nocturne vine]

So... CMAs concern is cloud. So if Microsoft is really doing something to reduce those concerns... I would really feel the whole "Xcloud doesn't get Activision games" thing would be stupid

[drifting valley]

I think cloud isn't going anywhere in the future anyway ngl

Cloud is the one thing I don't think is a relayble future

[nocturne vine]

K

[drifting valley]

Might be to early

[night beacon]

https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1680665085482598401

Tom Warren (@tomwarren)

Microsoft has confirmed to The Verge that Sony's 10-year Call of Duty deal is limited to CoD. Microsoft originally offered to keep "existing Activision console titles on Sony”, including future versions of current Activision games on PS till end of 2027 https://t.co/yq4GadNGAi

Likes

8358

Retweets

1161

Twitter · Jul 16, 2023, 7:45 PM

[lofty marlin]

Digital Game acquirer 😦 Yeah, it doesn't sound right.

[nocturne vine]

Seems to me like the judge wants to know specifics.

[hallow valley]

ONE DAY GILL GRUNT WILL RETURN!

[rain escarp]

Judge isnt having any of it today lol.. especially as CMA is the 'final boss'

[nocturne vine]

Yeah

[idle mantle]

Collecting, not hoarding

[nocturne vine]

Right now both parties play "Hypotheticals"
So they will not win unless they have evidence

[winged cosmos]

https://twitter.com/fosspatents/status/1680948680176676865

Florian Mueller (@FOSSpatents)

CMA counsel stresses they stand by the April report. Mr Justice Smith not surprised ("of course").

So the CMA wants to avoid a ruling on its April decision. They stand by it but they know they would lose the appeal!

🧵34/X

Twitter · Jul 17, 2023, 2:32 PM

[limpid sequoia]

I am at work so can't hear or read up tons. Do you like this judge? Or not a good one?

[trim bramble]

I don't put them nicely anywhere. I'd just pile it and lay on them

[rain escarp]

Judge is great

CMA messed around and finding out right now lol

[limpid sequoia]

Awesome

[nocturne vine]

Judge is doing an absolutely banger job

[winged cosmos]

Keeps mentioning quashing the CMA final report too

[narrow talon]

Sounds like this whole situation is coming to an end today.

[narrow talon]

That is the April 26 block correct?

[rain escarp]

all down to this judge and what the plan is. otherwise its gonna carry on and on

[marble root]

QUASH

[foggy matrix]

he flat out called trying to do that borderlining on the oppressive

[kind crown]

Pretty much

[narrow talon]

For those who don’t know, Quash means reject or void.

[nocturne vine]

CMA seems to really fall apart rn

[hallow valley]

I wish I could listen right now

But I’m in summer school

[gritty tangle]

where can I watch whatever is going on

[nocturne vine]

https://catribunal.uk/1590Microsoft

[gritty tangle]

Thanks

[nocturne vine]

No worries

Right side is Microsoft/Activision
Left side is CMA

[rain escarp]

all this over cloud issues lol

[gritty tangle]

I want the outcome that causes the most chaos and upsets the most people

[nocturne vine]

Right? They are making such huge fuss about a small amount of users. They are making themselves look useless rn