THE BORE

General => Video Game Bored => Topic started by: chronovore on January 18, 2022, 09:09:22 AM

Title: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: chronovore on January 18, 2022, 09:09:22 AM
https://news.microsoft.com/2022/01/18/microsoft-to-acquire-activision-blizzard-to-bring-the-joy-and-community-of-gaming-to-everyone-across-every-device/

Jesus. 
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: SmokyDave on January 18, 2022, 09:14:47 AM
Finally I get the 4K remaster of Ballblazer that I've always wanted.

I'm assuming that's why they've picked 'em up anyway. Mad news.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Quaker on January 18, 2022, 09:28:50 AM
It's going to suck when GamePass goes from $4/month to $30/month with mostly algorithm chasing shovelware in 10 years. (See: Netflix)

I wonder how the woke outrage brigade that sub to "the best deal in gaming" feel about paying for Bobby's golden parachute potentially.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 18, 2022, 09:39:15 AM
Microsoft: "We have to evaluate our relationship with Activision following these allegations. It won't be the same after this"  ::)

*2 weeks later*

Microsoft: "We gave them an offer they couldn't refuse" :pimp

SEGA: "Plz buy me daddy Microsoft :uguu"

Sony: "It's only a flesh wound!"

Nintendo: "..."

Nintendo: "Oh you guys are still here... here's a broken N64 rom, now fuck off!"
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Rahxephon91 on January 18, 2022, 09:49:31 AM
Wow that’s kind of I don’t know man.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: demi on January 18, 2022, 09:50:05 AM
GAMEPASS STONKS UP
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Pissy F Benny on January 18, 2022, 10:06:57 AM
when will call of doody come to gamepass :thinking
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: tiesto on January 18, 2022, 10:15:44 AM
This can't be good for Sony... getting their ass handed to them in Japan by Nintendo... MS buying up lots of large western 3rd party publishers (is Activision the biggest? Or is it EA?)...
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: therealdeal on January 18, 2022, 10:31:23 AM
Gamepass forever
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 18, 2022, 11:03:35 AM
DoJ plz  :banplz :biden
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 18, 2022, 11:11:38 AM
Time to come back to Steam, Bobby.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Joe Molotov on January 18, 2022, 11:22:45 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYpz3abAk98
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: who is ted danson? on January 18, 2022, 12:20:24 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/LoMjreQ.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/LoMjreQ.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/LoMjreQ.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/LoMjreQ.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/LoMjreQ.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/LoMjreQ.gif)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 18, 2022, 12:28:42 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJZJFTpXMA05MR8?format=jpg)

Quote
The list of IPs that could potentially be owned by Xbox following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard includes:

Blur
Caesar
Call of Duty
Candy Crush
Crash Bandicoot
Diablo
DJ Hero
Empire Earth
Gabriel Knight
Geometry Wars
Guitar Hero
Gun
Hearthstone
Heroes of the Storm
Hexen
Interstate ’76
King’s Quest
Laura Bow Mysteries
The Lost Vikings
Overwatch
Phantasmagoria
Pitfall
Police Quest
Prototype
Quest for Glory
Singularity
Skylanders
Solider of Fortune
Space Quest
Spyro the Dragon
StarCraft
Tenchu (legacy games)
TimeShift
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
True Crime
World of Warcraft
Zork

PGR licensing issues resolved. Thanks Phil!  :rejoice
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Beezy on January 18, 2022, 12:33:24 PM
Sheesh. I'm guessing it's safe to say that "the Netflix of gaming" is locked up with this one.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Lonewulfeus on January 18, 2022, 12:44:03 PM
Square next and I can die continue to play Xbox a happy man.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 18, 2022, 12:52:42 PM
Can't wait for Master Chief's Candy Crush Pro Skater: Skyrim :jeb
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Joe Molotov on January 18, 2022, 01:10:25 PM
Doom Slayer will return in Phantasmagoria 3: Thy Flesh Consumed, the grimdark FMV FPS that Roberta Williams fans have been waiting for.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: who is ted danson? on January 18, 2022, 01:10:43 PM
I remember after the bethesda announcement there was another rumour of a "big one" coming down the line. I think we discussed it on the bore even. Do we know if this the same big deal that was rumoured a while back in hushed tones?
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Rahxephon91 on January 18, 2022, 01:14:47 PM
PlayStation bias aside I don’t like this. As a purely enthusiast gamer MS is pretty much taking away choice. I don’t really like these big console companies owning everything.

It also kind of seems slimey in regards to what Phil has said before.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Svejk on January 18, 2022, 01:15:47 PM
I can easily see about 50% of those studios being dissolved in a matter of a year.  :doge
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Kurt Russell on January 18, 2022, 01:15:55 PM
At this point, if Sony want to compete they're basically left with Take-Two Interactive or EA. I don't think any other options (Capcom? Konami? Sega?) even come close.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Svejk on January 18, 2022, 01:17:32 PM
At this point, if Sony want to compete they're basically left with Take-Two Interactive or EA. I don't think any other options (Capcom? Konami? Sega?) even come close.
If Sony somehow snagged Capcom, Sony wins.....  until MS buys Sony.  :doge
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 18, 2022, 01:20:18 PM
Feels like Sony is fucked and going to be 3rd place console starting next gen.

Without CoD and Elder Scrolls they're toast in the west. What an insane purchase. Wonder if today will go down in game history as the day MS monopolized the console market.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Kurt Russell on January 18, 2022, 01:22:20 PM
A Sony/Valve Merger with Steam becoming the default store on Playstation would be interesting. Particularly if HL3 appears.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Let's Cyber on January 18, 2022, 01:29:06 PM
This is fucking crazy.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 18, 2022, 01:30:42 PM
A Sony/Valve Merger with Steam becoming the default store on Playstation would be interesting. Particularly if HL3 appears.
lmao
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Raist on January 18, 2022, 01:40:08 PM
This can't be good for Sony... getting their ass handed to them in Japan by Nintendo... MS buying up lots of large western 3rd party publishers (is Activision the biggest? Or is it EA?)...

Pretty sure it's Actizzard, closely followed by Epic.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: mormapope on January 18, 2022, 01:42:20 PM
Anyone that's "worried" about this news  :lol :lol  :lol

Wow, the videogame market isnt balanced in a capitalist society where the laws and rules of monopolization are loose and abstract? BIG CORPORATIONS BUYING BIG CORPORATIONS?!

 :heh
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 18, 2022, 01:47:18 PM
Anyone that's "worried" about this news  :lol :lol  :lol

Wow, the videogame market isnt balanced in a capitalist society where the laws and rules of monopolization are loose and abstract? BIG CORPORATIONS BUYING BIG CORPORATIONS?!

 :heh

Not sure how it'll be good for gamers when Sony sells its gaming department to MS.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Svejk on January 18, 2022, 01:51:58 PM
Anyone that's "worried" about this news  :lol :lol  :lol

Wow, the videogame market isnt balanced in a capitalist society where the laws and rules of monopolization are loose and abstract? BIG CORPORATIONS BUYING BIG CORPORATIONS?!

 :heh

Not sure how it'll be good for gamers when Sony sells its gaming department to MS.
Personally, that'd be my queue to go solely Nintender .... or quit vidyah altogether.  I'm WAY too stubborn to give MS any of my money if at all possible.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Pissy F Benny on January 18, 2022, 01:52:15 PM
At this point, if Sony want to compete they're basically left with Take-Two Interactive or EA. I don't think any other options (Capcom? Konami? Sega?) even come close.

I highly doubt Sony have the money to make such moves, both would be in high 10's of billions too. Probably their best move is to do a deal with MS to get gamepass on the Playstation.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: mormapope on January 18, 2022, 01:58:10 PM
Anyone that's "worried" about this news  :lol :lol  :lol

Wow, the videogame market isnt balanced in a capitalist society where the laws and rules of monopolization are loose and abstract? BIG CORPORATIONS BUYING BIG CORPORATIONS?!

 :heh

Not sure how it'll be good for gamers when Sony sells its gaming department to MS.

This is when my brain has a disconnect. The sentiment you're expressing is based on the belief that American business and capitalism yields good results for consumers, if there's fairness and balance in which business is conducted.

I straight up do not believe or buy into that.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Don Rumata on January 18, 2022, 02:02:18 PM
At this point, if Sony want to compete they're basically left with Take-Two Interactive or EA. I don't think any other options (Capcom? Konami? Sega?) even come close.
Sony can't compete on that front, but they are profitable and can continue to be so, in their own way.
I don't think aquisitions are a feasible strategy for them, at all.
They should focus on coming up with a game pass competitor that has some sort of competitive value, they do have the games at least.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 18, 2022, 02:03:25 PM
Sony doesn't have the money to buy any big publisher. They just can't compete when it comes to $$$ with big war chests like MS. They've lost Japan completely to Nintendo and pretty soon they'll lose the rest of the world to MS as MS just buys up all the games. I just don't see how Sony survives this.

I feel like if this doesn't kill Sony, in a few years MS will buy EA next to have Madden and that will be the final nail.


No one is buying Take Two. GTA is bigger than god in gaming.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Pissy F Benny on January 18, 2022, 02:03:41 PM
wasn't having all the games in one place the ultimate hope? daddy microsoft is making dreams come true, all for a low low monthly price :rejoice
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 18, 2022, 02:06:04 PM
Sony doesn't have the money to buy any big publisher. They just can't compete when it comes to $$$ with big war chests like MS. They've lost Japan completely to Nintendo and pretty soon they'll lose the rest of the world to MS as MS just buys up all the games. I just don't see how Sony survives this.

I feel like if this doesn't kill Sony, in a few years MS will buy EA next to have Madden and that will be the final nail.


No one is buying Take Two. GTA is bigger than god in gaming.
Sony is a $250 billion asset company, Microsoft is not dramatically bigger at $300 billion despite owning the OS and Office market
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Skullfuckers Anonymous on January 18, 2022, 02:06:19 PM
 :ohyeah

Chickens coming home to roost for arrogant Sony. PSN team must be in shambles cause PS+ will be worthless in 2023.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 18, 2022, 02:06:35 PM
If anyone thinks once Sony is out of the picture MS will still offer all the games for a low low monthly price I have a bridge to sell you.

They're not spending $70 billion dollars out of the goodness of their hearts to win a console war.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 18, 2022, 02:11:04 PM
Sony doesn't have the money to buy any big publisher. They just can't compete when it comes to $$$ with big war chests like MS. They've lost Japan completely to Nintendo and pretty soon they'll lose the rest of the world to MS as MS just buys up all the games. I just don't see how Sony survives this.

I feel like if this doesn't kill Sony, in a few years MS will buy EA next to have Madden and that will be the final nail.


No one is buying Take Two. GTA is bigger than god in gaming.
Sony is a $250 billion asset company, Microsoft is not dramatically bigger at $300 billion despite owning the OS and Office market

Sony is a lot more conservative. They're never going to spend the big bucks like this.

If Sony decides to acquire a publisher, it'd be more like Capcom. But even then that mostly effects the JP world of having Monster Hunter exclusive to PS which could give them some initial footing in regaining market share in Japan. In the west having RE and SF exclusive to PS isn't going to be a big deal and won't even counter the loss of Bethesda, not to mention Activision/Blizzard.


If Sony was dumb (which they often are), it'd be more like Square Enix or Konami. Which would both be really stupid since most SE is on PS anyhow and Konami doesn't make shit anymore.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Don Rumata on January 18, 2022, 02:15:04 PM
I don't get the apocalypse talk, Jesus....
Sony is doing more than fine, unless they completely lose their mind and keep following the direction of the market (like the move to services instead of 60$ packages) they'll be fine.
Tencent also takes in more cash than MS in gaming, are you in a panic for that, too?

MS buying Zenimax was potentially a positive thing, even with Activision blizzard we could see a fixing of their brands in need of a straightening up.
I don't see it as a bad thing.
They bought Activision, not some little team that worked indipendently and it's going to lose that.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Skullfuckers Anonymous on January 18, 2022, 02:17:58 PM
It makes 100% sense for Sony to buy Konami and become a PAAS company. At the same time they can rebrand PlayStation and keep the same initials to build the great home pachinko machine the world has ever known.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Don Rumata on January 18, 2022, 02:18:58 PM
Sony doesn't have the money to buy any big publisher. They just can't compete when it comes to $$$ with big war chests like MS. They've lost Japan completely to Nintendo and pretty soon they'll lose the rest of the world to MS as MS just buys up all the games. I just don't see how Sony survives this.

I feel like if this doesn't kill Sony, in a few years MS will buy EA next to have Madden and that will be the final nail.


No one is buying Take Two. GTA is bigger than god in gaming.
Sony is a $250 billion asset company, Microsoft is not dramatically bigger at $300 billion despite owning the OS and Office market

Sony is a lot more conservative. They're never going to spend the big bucks like this.

If Sony decides to acquire a publisher, it'd be more like Capcom. But even then that mostly effects the JP world of having Monster Hunter exclusive to PS which could give them some initial footing in regaining market share in Japan. In the west having RE and SF exclusive to PS isn't going to be a big deal and won't even counter the loss of Bethesda, not to mention Activision/Blizzard.


If Sony was dumb (which they often are), it'd be more like Square Enix or Konami. Which would both be really stupid since most SE is on PS anyhow and Konami doesn't make shit anymore.
I feel like you're stuck to 10 years ago.
Sony is an American company, they have moved their center in the us and intentionally killed off most of their JP studios.
They likely don't care about the Japanese market much.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Himu on January 18, 2022, 02:25:24 PM
Crazy purchase
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Raist on January 18, 2022, 02:26:30 PM
At this point, if Sony want to compete they're basically left with Take-Two Interactive or EA. I don't think any other options (Capcom? Konami? Sega?) even come close.

I highly doubt Sony have the money to make such moves, both would be in high 10's of billions too. Probably their best move is to do a deal with MS to get gamepass on the Playstation.

By all metrics they're more or less worth half of MS, so...
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 18, 2022, 02:37:55 PM
SOYNY  :aloy

:playa  XBOX  :dice
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: tiesto on January 18, 2022, 03:28:11 PM
Really the only thing I can see Sony doing is continuing to buy exclusivity for big franchises. I could see GTA6 being Sony exclusive for at least a little while for instance (and also the biggest Japanese games like RE, FF, MH, SF). But like others have said I don't see Sony buying up any third parties aside from the ones historically aligned with them (i.e. continuing to buy companies like Insomniac/ND/Blue Point), and especially not Japanese companies.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Don Rumata on January 18, 2022, 03:42:48 PM
At this point, if Sony want to compete they're basically left with Take-Two Interactive or EA. I don't think any other options (Capcom? Konami? Sega?) even come close.

I highly doubt Sony have the money to make such moves, both would be in high 10's of billions too. Probably their best move is to do a deal with MS to get gamepass on the Playstation.

By all metrics they're more or less worth half of MS, so...
What do you mean? for example their market cap is vastly different.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Don Rumata on January 18, 2022, 04:09:28 PM
Really the only thing I can see Sony doing is continuing to buy exclusivity for big franchises. I could see GTA6 being Sony exclusive for at least a little while for instance (and also the biggest Japanese games like RE, FF, MH, SF). But like others have said I don't see Sony buying up any third parties aside from the ones historically aligned with them (i.e. continuing to buy companies like Insomniac/ND/Blue Point), and especially not Japanese companies.
PS5 is pretty safe either way.
In the long term i'm curious how Sony (Playstation specifically) sees themselves in the space, as a software publisher/developer, providing games for platforms running agnostically? Or still as hardware producers?
Honestly with things like Xcloud and services like Netflix and Gamepass becoming more and more the norm (especially after 5G makes them more ubiquitous) is there a space for them and their boxed console in the mass market? They already have to use Microsoft's Azure servers, no? If Mobile gaming is already the dominant market, that will only increase once streaming Uncharted on your phone (or TV directly) will become viable and easy to do.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 18, 2022, 04:20:54 PM
PS5 is locked in at this point in marketshare mindset.
The Bethesda sale damage and this damage won't even start for a few years. Starfield being the first major game Playstation loses.

But it will definitely effect PS6 generation when MS is known as the box with CoD and Oblivion/Fallout.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: who is ted danson? on January 18, 2022, 04:27:13 PM
I remember after the bethesda announcement there was another rumour of a "big one" coming down the line. I think we discussed it on the bore even. Do we know if this the same big deal that was rumoured a while back in hushed tones?
Found it. Starts here (http://www.thebore.com/forum/index.php?topic=33514.msg2998026#msg2998026)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 18, 2022, 04:29:42 PM
Quote from: https://theconversation.com/amp/microsoft-purchase-of-activision-blizzard-wont-clean-up-gamer-culture-overnight-5-essential-reads-about-sexual-harassment-and-discrimination-in-gaming-and-tech-175202
Microsoft purchase of Activision Blizzard won't clean up gamer culture overnight: 5 essential reads about sexual harassment and discrimination in gaming and tech

Eric Smalley, The Conversation, Amanda Cote, Banu Ozkazanc-Pan, Francine Berman, Giovanni Luca Ciampaglia, Lindsey Darvin

January 18, 2022 2.28pm EST

Microsoft announced on Jan. 18, 2022, its intention to purchase video game giant Activision Blizzard. The company, publisher of top-selling video games Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush, has been the subject of a series of sexual discrimination and harassment complaints. A day before Microsoft’s announcement, Activision Blizzard announced that it has fired “nearly 40 employees” since July following an investigation into hundreds of reports from employees of misconduct.

California sued Activision Blizzard in July 2021, alleging a “pervasive ‘frat boy’ culture” at the company and discrimination against women in pay and promotion. The suit prompted a walkout by company employees who demanded that the company address the problem.

The turmoil is an echo of the infamous Gamergate episode of 2014 that featured an organized online campaign of harassment against female gamers, game developers and gaming journalists. The allegations are also of a piece with a decadeslong history of gender discrimination in the technology field.

It’s unclear whether or how quickly Microsoft will address Activision Blizzard’s discriminatory culture. Regardless of what happens within the company, the problem of sexual harassment in gamer culture involves the industry as a whole, as well as players and fans.

We’ve been covering sexual harassment and gender discrimination in gaming – and technology generally – and picked five articles from our archive to help you understand the news.

1. Gaming culture is toxic – but community norms can change it

2. It’s not just players – fans are part of the problem

3. Collegiate esports leagues don’t reflect the population of video game players

4. Lessons from the tech field: Diversity and equity require women with power

5. The myth of meritocracy is an impediment to equality

Editor’s note: This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversation’s archives. This is an updated version of an article originally published on July 30, 2021. It has been updated to include Microsoft’s intention to purchase Activision Blizzard.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 18, 2022, 06:40:48 PM
It's almost time for the 10th anniversary GamerGate remaster  8)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Sho Nuff on January 18, 2022, 07:58:42 PM
Come on guys, when has a multi billion dollar acquisition not been in your favor
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 18, 2022, 08:19:12 PM
How Phil Spencer and Activision Blizzard are the Thomas Jefferson and Louisiana Purchase of Gaming

My latest on Substack
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Rahxephon91 on January 18, 2022, 08:26:10 PM
Well I guess the good thing is I'm getting too old to even care and play more then a few games a year.

I just don't see anything good about this or have any interest in what MS is doing with gaming.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: mormapope on January 18, 2022, 08:47:42 PM
On a scale 1-10, the reactions from this videogame news is a solid 9/10. This is probably on par with Sega exiting the console industry regarding how big this is.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: bork on January 18, 2022, 09:16:28 PM
PS5 is locked in at this point in marketshare mindset.
The Bethesda sale damage and this damage won't even start for a few years. Starfield being the first major game Playstation loses.

But it will definitely effect PS6 generation when MS is known as the box with CoD and Oblivion/Fallout.

I think the question is whether or not these games won't be on other platforms.  We still get Minecraft on everything despite Microsoft owning it.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Boredfrom on January 18, 2022, 09:36:08 PM
This can't be good for Sony... getting their ass handed to them in Japan by Nintendo... MS buying up lots of large western 3rd party publishers (is Activision the biggest? Or is it EA?)...

Rare says hi!
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: bork on January 18, 2022, 09:52:23 PM
All of this is leading to Yum! Brands buying up them all.

And then everything is TACO BELL.

(https://i.redd.it/mrucybq2m5l41.jpg)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Lonewulfeus on January 18, 2022, 09:57:27 PM
How Phil Spencer and Activision Blizzard are the Thomas Jefferson and Louisiana Purchase of Gaming

My latest on Substack

Would that make Sarah Bond Lewis and Clark?
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Svejk on January 18, 2022, 10:35:21 PM
All of this is leading to Yum! Brands buying up them all.

And then everything is TACO BELL.

(https://i.redd.it/mrucybq2m5l41.jpg)
(https://c.tenor.com/BKM4eCA89BsAAAAC/tacobell-restaurant.gif)
PS5 is locked in at this point in marketshare mindset.
The Bethesda sale damage and this damage won't even start for a few years. Starfield being the first major game Playstation loses.

But it will definitely effect PS6 generation when MS is known as the box with CoD and Oblivion/Fallout.

I think the question is whether or not these games won't be on other platforms.  We still get Minecraft on everything despite Microsoft owning it.
I have a hard time believing that MS will leave such a game; like Starfield, to be PC and MS only.  With such a massive install base for PS5 already, it seems like the only thing to do is release it there later, like Sony has done with their first party stuff of late on PC.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Raist on January 18, 2022, 10:58:56 PM
How Phil Spencer and Activision Blizzard are the Thomas Jefferson and Louisiana Purchase of Gaming

My latest on Substack

That analogy would have been apt if MS had bought Ubisoft, not Actizzard :bolo
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Rahxephon91 on January 18, 2022, 11:27:46 PM
I mean how long at this point does it become that first-party just means on the system exclusively for a year?

Maybe crazy, but with how media is going I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Kestastrophe on January 18, 2022, 11:31:26 PM
Pretty awesome as a consumer if it continues to trend
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Svejk on January 18, 2022, 11:40:53 PM
I mean how long at this point does it become that first-party just means on the system exclusively for a year?

Maybe crazy, but with how media is going I'm not sure.
That's totally fine with me.. Other than Nintendo, I see that being the reasonable approach from all platforms and storefronts/launchers. 
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: naff on January 18, 2022, 11:50:02 PM
on a purely pragmatic level, it's kinda fuckin dumb as shit we're mining all these rare minerals and dealing with supply chain chip issues then buying multiple pieces of hardware that are almost like for like. if m$ buy everything out to the point sony is unable to continue as a primary platform owner and hardware consolidates around m$ and nintendo... c'est la vie.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Raist on January 18, 2022, 11:58:43 PM
I think having chips in anything and everything now might be a much bigger problem than having 3 console manufacturers instead of 2, but I'm not an expert.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 19, 2022, 12:25:53 AM
https://twitter.com/gregisenberg/status/1483432456548196358
https://twitter.com/DavidNage/status/1483441414675615753
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 19, 2022, 12:41:24 AM
You know, rather than SE, if Sony wanted to buy someone they should buy From Software. Make that Bloodborne 2 happen.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 19, 2022, 01:34:39 AM
https://twitter.com/gregisenberg/status/1483432456548196358
https://twitter.com/DavidNage/status/1483441414675615753

:crowdlaff
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: chronovore on January 19, 2022, 02:58:03 AM
https://twitter.com/gregisenberg/status/1483432456548196358
https://twitter.com/DavidNage/status/1483441414675615753

Wow, if anything can concisely encapsulate the entitlement of gamers, it's this.
Next up, they'll want to get paid for going to Disneyland, and commenting that the Matterhorn could maybe go a little faster.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 19, 2022, 03:51:13 AM
Gamers only want the upside of being a shareholder/investor and want to do none of the hard work like buying stock in a publically traded company instead of Amiibo
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: tiesto on January 19, 2022, 10:01:54 AM
Come on guys, when has a multi billion dollar acquisition not been in your favor

tbh I'd argue that the Namco Bandai merger was good for English-speaking Tales fans. More resources for translation.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Joe Molotov on January 19, 2022, 11:13:56 AM
I called Call of Duty "Call of Doody" on The Bore, where's my $70 Billion?
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Pissy F Benny on January 19, 2022, 11:18:44 AM
I called Call of Duty "Call of Doody" on The Bore, where's my $70 Billion?

same :fbm
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Don Rumata on January 19, 2022, 11:31:26 AM
You know, rather than SE, if Sony wanted to buy someone they should buy From Software. Make that Bloodborne 2 happen.
I don't get why this keeps coming up.  :thinking

From Software is doing great, getting fully bought would bring nothing to the table (not for them, nor for the consumers).
Furthermore, they are (likely) perfectly willing to work on Bloodborne 2, as soon as Sony makes that phone call.
Also FS is Kadokawa's, so they'd have to go through them (Sony does own some shares, but it's probably not as cheap as if FS was just a free company).


Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Rahxephon91 on January 19, 2022, 11:43:53 AM
I called Call of Duty "Call of Doody" on The Bore, where's my $70 Billion?
Make an NFT out of it.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tuckers Law on January 19, 2022, 01:05:53 PM
You know, rather than SE, if Sony wanted to buy someone they should buy From Software. Make that Bloodborne 2 happen.
No. Until Sony stop being fucking trash with how they handle their legacy system games, I’d rather From stay third party and focus on bringing their releases to both PC and consoles.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Rahxephon91 on January 19, 2022, 01:09:54 PM
I’d rather From keep doing what they want then be at the whims of Sony. I doubt Sony would find say a new Armored Core. They also clearly have had a chance to fund a BloodBorne 2, but haven’t why?
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Svejk on January 19, 2022, 01:20:20 PM
I’d rather From keep doing what they want then be at the whims of Sony. I doubt Sony would find say a new Armored Core. They also clearly have had a chance to fund a BloodBorne 2, but haven’t why?
Who says they haven't?  I think they haven't peeped about it yet because they didn't want to take away any thunder of DeS remake (and now Elden Ring).  Then they'll update BB on PS5 later this year with a tease of BB2.
(https://c.tenor.com/c9_SsizBv-sAAAAC/jim-breuer-half-baked.gif)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: headwalk on January 19, 2022, 01:39:56 PM
i wonder how much MS spent making sure certain facts about activision/blizzard came to light to set the scene for them to swoop in like knights (they/them) in shining armour and save dozens of beloved titles from festering in moral putrification.

MS know the value of a good ESG rating when it comes to keeping anti-trust quiet.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Don Rumata on January 19, 2022, 01:53:53 PM
You know, rather than SE, if Sony wanted to buy someone they should buy From Software. Make that Bloodborne 2 happen.
No. Until Sony stop being fucking trash with how they handle their legacy system games, I’d rather From stay third party and focus on bringing their releases to both PC and consoles.
Every developer is, for the consumer, better off as a third party, since exclusives are bad.
The exception to this, is when a studio is in bad waters, and would risk closing (or turning into trash) otherwise.
This is definitely not the case with From Software, which is doing more than fine.

The reason why i don't mind MS's acquisitions too much (so far), is that they seem to want to move into a direction of spreading their games to more platforms, not tied to the box so much (but to the service, instead) which is not ideal but still better than having to buy a single box.
On top of having bought some studios that were exactly doing amazing, though this depends on who we're talking about.
Arkane went from flop to flop their whole existence basically, so for them it's probably a life saver, Acti-Blizz could also see a quality improvement from this, for others not so much.

I also like not paying 80€ for an arcade game or a cosmetic remake.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Potato on January 19, 2022, 02:57:49 PM
It is glorious watching Sony fanboys trying to cope with this news. Fucking glorious.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: naff on January 19, 2022, 03:27:25 PM
I think having chips in anything and everything now might be a much bigger problem than having 3 console manufacturers instead of 2, but I'm not an expert.

you right... just making excuses for my monopolistic fantasies
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Rufus on January 19, 2022, 06:58:18 PM
i wonder how much MS spent making sure certain facts about activision/blizzard came to light to set the scene for them to swoop in like knights (they/them) in shining armour and save dozens of beloved titles from festering in moral putrification.

MS know the value of a good ESG rating when it comes to keeping anti-trust quiet.
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say - zero dollars.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: naff on January 19, 2022, 08:30:08 PM
just want d2 resurrected to hurry up and get on gamepass
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 20, 2022, 10:14:57 AM
:crowdlaff
Wow, if anything can concisely encapsulate the entitlement of gamers, it's this.
Next up, they'll want to get paid for going to Disneyland, and commenting that the Matterhorn could maybe go a little faster.
https://twitter.com/Vessinvests/status/1483512610402283530
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Don Rumata on January 20, 2022, 11:06:21 AM
:crowdlaff
Wow, if anything can concisely encapsulate the entitlement of gamers, it's this.
Next up, they'll want to get paid for going to Disneyland, and commenting that the Matterhorn could maybe go a little faster.
https://twitter.com/Vessinvests/status/1483512610402283530
Quote
No one builds communities or guilds around grocery stores.

No one dedicates thousands of hours of their lives to a grocery store.

Excuse me?
(https://i.imgur.com/EGvwZOV.png)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Joe Molotov on January 20, 2022, 12:50:39 PM
:crowdlaff
Wow, if anything can concisely encapsulate the entitlement of gamers, it's this.
Next up, they'll want to get paid for going to Disneyland, and commenting that the Matterhorn could maybe go a little faster.
https://twitter.com/Vessinvests/status/1483512610402283530

Until Disney opens a grocery store. :soyjak
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 20, 2022, 03:26:47 PM
:crowdlaff
Wow, if anything can concisely encapsulate the entitlement of gamers, it's this.
Next up, they'll want to get paid for going to Disneyland, and commenting that the Matterhorn could maybe go a little faster.
https://twitter.com/Vessinvests/status/1483512610402283530
Quote
No one builds communities or guilds around grocery stores.

No one dedicates thousands of hours of their lives to a grocery store.

Excuse me?
(https://i.imgur.com/EGvwZOV.png)


I think you mean

(https://i.imgur.com/JCiSWpY.png)

Shit has memberships and everything.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 20, 2022, 03:35:01 PM
Quote
No one dedicates thousands of hours of their lives to a grocery store.

Also if you're dedicating your life, and thousands of hours of said life, to a videogame or community, you have seriously misplaced priorities and you probably need a lot more perspective on what's important. (Not knocking 1000+ hour game logs, but you shouldn't be giving a game more importance than its worth.)

Unless that community's The Bore, of course. Then it's A-OK. (https://i.imgur.com/OZwMI.gif)

None of this would be a thing if gamers were fine with gaming just being a hobby, but no, it has to be this important transformative thing that will save all of society from itself... somehow.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Beezy on January 20, 2022, 05:24:20 PM
https://twitter.com/XboxP3/status/1484273335139651585
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 20, 2022, 06:01:09 PM
Quote
“I was looking at the IP list, I mean, let’s go!” Spencer said. “ ‘King’s Quest,’ ‘Guitar Hero,’ … I should know this but I think they got ‘HeXen.’ ”

Let's fucking go :rejoice
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 20, 2022, 06:15:00 PM
Blackthorne revival time?
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 20, 2022, 06:17:16 PM
https://twitter.com/XboxP3/status/1484273335139651585

Have no idea  :doge

If I had guess a reaaaaally loose guess on the future of MS, they'll keep CoD on Playstation and rake in the sales $$$ and keep away from antitrust issues, but all CoD DLC will be Xbox exclusive.

And more importantly all Activision/Blizzard/Bethesda franchises outside CoD will be Xbox exclusive.

CoD may just be the one franchise too large of a sales giant to cut off from Playstation exclusively. But there's no doubt the Xbox versions will be the best each year.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 20, 2022, 06:19:13 PM
There would be no anti-trust issue if Microsoft were to make Call of Duty Xbox exclusive.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Beezy on January 20, 2022, 06:24:39 PM
If COD won't be exclusive, then the DLC won't be either
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tuckers Law on January 20, 2022, 06:27:15 PM
https://twitter.com/XboxP3/status/1484273335139651585

Kind of feels like the corporate equivalent of Microsoft son’ing Sony.

“Don’t you worry kid, you’ll still get your call of doodies.”
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 20, 2022, 06:29:50 PM
There would be no anti-trust issue if Microsoft were to make Call of Duty Xbox exclusive.

I don't know. The issue is that CoD and GTA basically are the highest selling software in America in the game industry. If one company bought the exclusive rights to it I could see there being some issues potentially in terms of monopolizing an industry. Same thing is someone bought GTA and made it exclusive.

I mean if there were no concerns about CoD being exclusive triggering problems, why would MS even do it beyond the next couple of years they have contracts in place with Sony already? They don't need the money. I don't believe MS is just "nice guy MS" and gonna release on Playstation for the heck of it. I think if they do release CoD on Playstation for the next decade each year it will be because they are concerned about trouble if they don't.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 20, 2022, 06:33:14 PM
That being said I do think Phil Spencer is a lot like Shuhei Yoshida and Masahiro Sakurai where they don't really care about the console war bullshit and are friends with everyone in the industry regardless of which company they are at and generally not a dick. But still Spencer's day job is to do what's best for Xbox and MS and that means fucking over Sony sometimes.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 20, 2022, 07:00:18 PM
There would be no anti-trust issue if Microsoft were to make Call of Duty Xbox exclusive.

Another reason why I wish Tim Sweeney had won.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 20, 2022, 07:02:31 PM
I don't know. The issue is that CoD and GTA basically are the highest selling software in America in the game industry. If one company bought the exclusive rights to it I could see there being some issues potentially in terms of monopolizing an industry. Same thing is someone bought GTA and made it exclusive.

I mean if there were no concerns about CoD being exclusive triggering problems, why would MS even do it beyond the next couple of years they have contracts in place with Sony already? They don't need the money. I don't believe MS is just "nice guy MS" and gonna release on Playstation for the heck of it. I think if they do release CoD on Playstation for the next decade each year it will be because they are concerned about trouble if they don't.
No, none of these are anti-trust issues. Microsoft isn't anywhere close to being a monopoly not even if they owned Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto and Mario.

They'll release Call of Duty on PlayStation as long as 40% or more of the console market is on PlayStation because they make too much money that way not to. Going straight to zero sales from the PlayStation segment of the market doesn't make any sense until they're sure that they'll pick up enough new additional sales on Xbox from people buying the platform.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 20, 2022, 07:44:51 PM
They'll release Call of Duty on PlayStation as long as 40% or more of the console market is on PlayStation because they make too much money that way not to.

Elder Scrolls 6 says hi. (https://www.pcgamer.com/elder-scrolls-6-will-release-for-xbox-and-pc-only/)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: bork on January 20, 2022, 07:48:09 PM
I think this move is more to strengthen their streaming service and game pass. Perhaps even though call of duty would stay on PlayStation, it would only be available for streaming on XCloud and only available in a subscription service with game pass.

If COD won't be exclusive, then the DLC won't be either

Don't they already do exclusive DLC with Call of Duty?
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: bork on January 20, 2022, 07:48:56 PM
They'll release Call of Duty on PlayStation as long as 40% or more of the console market is on PlayStation because they make too much money that way not to.

Elder Scrolls 6 says hi. (https://www.pcgamer.com/elder-scrolls-6-will-release-for-xbox-and-pc-only/)

Are those games anywhere near as popular as Call of duty though?
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 20, 2022, 07:51:33 PM
From what I understand the thinking at MS is that COD Warzone can be their multiplatform FPS GaaS and future installments partially, timed or fully exclusive to Xbox/GamePass/PC. At some point Microsoft will try to put GamePass on Playstation.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: bork on January 20, 2022, 07:54:05 PM
At some point Microsoft will try to put GamePass on Playstation.

 :huh
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 20, 2022, 07:54:24 PM
Phil Spencer, September 2020:

Quote
To take away a core franchise at this stage in their reparative game would be impactful in a negative way that contradicts everything Microsoft has built in the last two years. It's because of that focused effort and streamlined marketing strategy that I think that if we see a The Elders Scrolls 6 excluvity at all, it could very well be a timed-agreement only. And that's if it happens at all.

Phil Spencer, 14 months later:

Quote
It’s not about punishing any other platform, like I fundamentally believe all of the platforms can continue to grow. But in order to be on Xbox, I want us to be able to bring the full complete package of what we have. And that would be true when I think about Elder Scrolls VI. That would be true when I think about any of our franchises.

Microsoft is an absolute snake no matter what division you have the misfortune of dealing with. Shit's gonna be worse for everyone but total Xbots. :idont
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 20, 2022, 07:55:46 PM
They'll release Call of Duty on PlayStation as long as 40% or more of the console market is on PlayStation because they make too much money that way not to.

Elder Scrolls 6 says hi. (https://www.pcgamer.com/elder-scrolls-6-will-release-for-xbox-and-pc-only/)

Are those games anywhere near as popular as Call of duty though?

That's a short list of games, if that's the criteria you need.

We have recent history to inform us what Microsoft wants to do here. Whether next year or in 5 years, total exclusivity is the obvious endgame. Gaming is once again copying Hollywood, this time with corporate consolidation and eyes on content farms.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 20, 2022, 08:05:26 PM
Also Skyrim sold 30 mil, which only places it behind MW3 and BLOPS1. Yeah, I'm gonna say The Elder Scrolls Series is kind of a big deal.

And Microsoft DGAF.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 20, 2022, 08:13:09 PM
Microsoft is an absolute snake no matter what division you have the misfortune of dealing with. Shit's gonna be worse for everyone but total Xbots. :idont
https://twitter.com/dan0play/status/1483449480804454400
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 20, 2022, 08:20:01 PM
https://twitter.com/Dendromecon/status/1484259705023197185
https://twitter.com/NeonFlaree/status/1484287723276017669
https://twitter.com/RadaDelgado13/status/1484273768910495746

A GAF/ERA dude some may recognize:
https://twitter.com/SG_17/status/1484242128435879939

spoiler (click to show/hide)
https://twitter.com/tosyn1/status/1484260325612478468
[close]
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Bebpo on January 20, 2022, 08:26:10 PM
Ironically until this fiasco I had no idea Call of Duty Warzone was a F2P game. Like others have said it sort of makes CoD yearly releases irrelevant if they have a F2P with the largest CoD player base and they keep updating it.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 20, 2022, 09:06:43 PM
Microsoft is an absolute snake no matter what division you have the misfortune of dealing with. Shit's gonna be worse for everyone but total Xbots. :idont
https://twitter.com/dan0play/status/1483449480804454400

Never heard anything good about Teams.

In fact I often heard the opposite, back when I was in tech.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Don Rumata on January 20, 2022, 09:14:28 PM
:crowdlaff
Wow, if anything can concisely encapsulate the entitlement of gamers, it's this.
Next up, they'll want to get paid for going to Disneyland, and commenting that the Matterhorn could maybe go a little faster.
https://twitter.com/Vessinvests/status/1483512610402283530
Quote
No one builds communities or guilds around grocery stores.

No one dedicates thousands of hours of their lives to a grocery store.

Excuse me?
(https://i.imgur.com/EGvwZOV.png)


I think you mean

(https://i.imgur.com/JCiSWpY.png)

Shit has memberships and everything.
But do they have branded shoes?  :doge

(https://i.imgur.com/3FhkMAd.jpeg)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Don Rumata on January 20, 2022, 09:20:44 PM
Interesting analysis video on the acquisition. (https://youtu.be/1Esiv78AEl8)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 21, 2022, 12:07:12 AM
:crowdlaff
Wow, if anything can concisely encapsulate the entitlement of gamers, it's this.
Next up, they'll want to get paid for going to Disneyland, and commenting that the Matterhorn could maybe go a little faster.
https://twitter.com/Vessinvests/status/1483512610402283530
Quote
No one builds communities or guilds around grocery stores.

No one dedicates thousands of hours of their lives to a grocery store.

Excuse me?
(https://i.imgur.com/EGvwZOV.png)


I think you mean

(https://i.imgur.com/JCiSWpY.png)

Shit has memberships and everything.
But do they have branded shoes?  :doge

(https://i.imgur.com/3FhkMAd.jpeg)

Probably. I've seen Rocco from Mega64 wear a Walmart hat.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Potato on January 21, 2022, 03:35:29 AM
Microsoft don't need to make any games exclusive, they just need to make the Xbox the lead platform and make the DLC come out first on their platform. If they do that, a large part of the crowd moves across automatically. We saw this with the 360.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: MMaRsu on January 21, 2022, 04:15:30 AM
Microsoft don't need to make any games exclusive, they just need to make the Xbox the lead platform and make the DLC come out first on their platform. If they do that, a large part of the crowd moves across automatically. We saw this with the 360.

The 360 was not only the game for the crowd bc of the DLC. It was the defacto COD console already
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 21, 2022, 01:14:48 PM
From what I understand the thinking at MS is that COD Warzone can be their multiplatform FPS GaaS and future installments partially, timed or fully exclusive to Xbox/GamePass/PC. At some point Microsoft will try to put GamePass on Playstation.
The COD teams also expect this is the end of annual COD post 2023 as Warzone will take-over from the 'annual releases'.

Apparently Microsoft wants Toys for Bob and Beenox back on their own projects such as mascot platformers.
In fact there's rumors that Microsoft already had one in development or was starting such a project with one of those studios following the release of COD Cold War.
similar to how Crystal Dynamics is helping them out with Perfect Dark, it just wasn't announced yet.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Trent Dole on January 22, 2022, 05:31:28 AM
If this leads to a just MS as the HD machine future...and all xbox exclusives are on pc anyway.. this ultimately means all you need is a PC and whatever Switch UUU Ninty is pushing at the moment. :rejoice
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 22, 2022, 08:36:35 AM
:wiiu
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: bork on January 22, 2022, 10:03:24 AM
Microsoft don't need to make any games exclusive, they just need to make the Xbox the lead platform and make the DLC come out first on their platform. If they do that, a large part of the crowd moves across automatically. We saw this with the 360.

The 360 was not only the game for the crowd bc of the DLC. It was the defacto COD console already

It became the lead CoD box with Modern Warfare and Xbl.  Nobody cared about this series before that. 
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Rahxephon91 on January 22, 2022, 10:44:59 AM
People forget Call of Duty 2 was a 360 launch title and did very well.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Pissy F Benny on January 22, 2022, 10:58:57 AM
Imagine playing Modern Warfare or any of that gens Call of Doodys on a PS3 tho :scust
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 22, 2022, 06:33:18 PM
COD was mainly a PC franchise at first.

Call of Duty 2 on the Xbox 360 was the first Call of Duty for consoles that turned heads and did well but still below PC numbers. Partially because Rare made such a mess out of Perfect Dark Zero so Xbox gamers looked elsewhere for their FPS fix.
They pooped out COD3 in 8 months after COD2 was a big hit and to bank in on the PS3 and Wii launches as well. It wasn't very good but COD2 was only a year old and still had a growing player base so it didn't really matter for the popularity of the series.
COD2 still remained Xbox console exclusive though it never got a PS3 port despite being one of the biggest games of that generation until...

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare on Xbox 360 released, just after HALO 3 did. That's when it started to rival the PC player base and COD became the biggest shooter on the block. The right game at the right time.
It also meant that going forward COD would become more and more aimed at consoles. I believe it wasn't until 2015 that Sony struck a marketing deal with Activision for exclusive content and the promotion of Call of Duty on consoles.
One of those things that made people question if Microsoft would even be able to keep the Xbox One and the Xbox brand itself afloat.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: bork on January 22, 2022, 10:17:31 PM
People forget Call of Duty 2 was a 360 launch title and did very well.

Yes, but CoD didn't get massive until Modern Warfare.  MW was the best selling game of 2007, IIRC.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: who is ted danson? on January 23, 2022, 05:18:03 AM

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare on Xbox 360 released, just after HALO 3 did. That's when it started to rival the PC player base and COD became the biggest shooter on the block. The right game at the right time.


The glory days  :rejoice
Having to decide what MP FPS you wanted to play on any evening: COD4, Halo 3, Battlefield 2, CSS, or TF2



Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: pilonv1 on January 23, 2022, 05:26:12 AM
The glory days  :rejoice
Having to decide what MP FPS you wanted to play on any evening: COD4, Halo 3, Battlefield 2, CSS, or TF2

Finding that your friends list was evenly divided among all of them :fbm

There was something to be said about XBL in 2002-04 when everyone was playing Crimson Skies or PGR2 because that's all there was.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 23, 2022, 08:12:55 AM

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare on Xbox 360 released, just after HALO 3 did. That's when it started to rival the PC player base and COD became the biggest shooter on the block. The right game at the right time.


The glory days  :rejoice
Having to decide what MP FPS you wanted to play on any evening: COD4, Halo 3, Battlefield 2, CSS, or TF2
Don't forget

- The Darkness
- Bioshock
- Half Life 2: Ep 2 + TF2 + Portal (Orange Box)
- Stalker
- Crysis 3
- Metroid Prime 3
- Medal of Honor Airborne
- Quake Wars
- Unreal Tournament 3
- TimeShift
etc. etc.

The list is literally endless
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEZkHASfKy4

And even though it includes rare German/Polish, Hezbollah and Russian developed games this does not even include all the unofficial mods for the Source Engine that dropped.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: BIONIC on January 23, 2022, 02:18:03 PM
The gaming industry really went downhill once Hezbollah stopped developing games  :goty
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Beezy on January 25, 2022, 05:50:17 PM
https://twitter.com/jasonschreier/status/1486107899948642310
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 25, 2022, 06:14:33 PM
Microsoft still plans to release Perfect Dark, Donkey Kong Racing and Kameo on Nintendo GameCube. :idont

If they move COD22 to 23 or don't do COD23 and just Warzone then whatever COD comes after COD22 is exclusive to Xbox.
The likely scenario is COD22 in 2022(or delayed to 2023) and Warzone 2 in 2023. I think Warzone is now big enough to be a stand-alone COD release to carry 2023.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 25, 2022, 06:27:27 PM
If they move COD22 to 23 or don't do COD23 and just Warzone then whatever COD comes after COD22 is exclusive to Xbox.
The likely scenario is COD22 in 2022(or delayed to 2023) and Warzone 2 in 2023. I think Warzone is now big enough to be a stand-alone COD release to carry 2023.
I think the likely scenario is that all those games do in fact come out because they've already been in production for some time and the sale to Microsoft will not be finished for another six months at least. Also Warzone 2 is presumably another F2P BR release and thus is not part of the standard development cycle. (IW and a presumed MW2 should be on deck.)

In any case, the report specifies "at least the next three" Call of Duty releases so even if Microsoft were to delay the 2023 targeted game, it (or whatever game replaces it) would likely still be on PlayStation whenever it does come out.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 25, 2022, 08:02:01 PM
https://twitter.com/jasonschreier/status/1486107899948642310

Could benji be wrong?

(https://i.imgur.com/aKOMFm4.jpg)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: OnlyRegret on January 26, 2022, 01:24:51 AM
microsoft buy konami next and save those wasted IPs
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: tiesto on January 26, 2022, 10:09:10 AM
microsoft buy konami next and save those wasted IPs

Konami is the only Japanese dev I hope gets snatched up by one of the big three because of this.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tuckers Law on January 26, 2022, 10:18:31 AM
Which would be the monkeys paw choice though?  I feel like Sony or Microsoft might try modernize and “smooth out” some of the quirks necessary for a lot of Konami’s great series to really work, so my first impulse would want Nintendo to have them.  But then Nintendo is also Nintendo, and it would be great to have something like Metal Gear or Castlevania not in the hands of a company perfectly willing to let the franchises lie in dormancy for decades.  Though I guess Konami does that already…
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Svejk on January 26, 2022, 01:24:08 PM
I'd be quite alright with full fledged remakes of MGS 1-4.  :D (Twins Snakes doesn't count)

And maybe a SOTN remake by Vanillaware.  :P

If they got bought up by anybody though, don't really see any of that happening.  Just a re-selling of ports for the umpteenth time skraight Nintender style.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Pissy F Benny on January 26, 2022, 05:03:09 PM
just had a shudder go down my spine thinking about a western studio remaking any MGS game :kobeyuck

unless it's a demons souls style hot new graphics but still the exact same game (with more modern controls) type thing
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: BisMarckie on January 26, 2022, 05:13:13 PM
A Sony made MGS where Big Boss tries to fix his relationship with Solid, Solidus and Liquid.
There is going to be a new playable character, who is a strong independent woman: A clone of The Boss.
There will be sad indie rock tunes.

Metal Gear Solid: Goddess of War
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 26, 2022, 05:17:15 PM
If they move COD22 to 23 or don't do COD23 and just Warzone then whatever COD comes after COD22 is exclusive to Xbox.
The likely scenario is COD22 in 2022(or delayed to 2023) and Warzone 2 in 2023. I think Warzone is now big enough to be a stand-alone COD release to carry 2023.
I think the likely scenario is that all those games do in fact come out because they've already been in production for some time and the sale to Microsoft will not be finished for another six months at least. Also Warzone 2 is presumably another F2P BR release and thus is not part of the standard development cycle. (IW and a presumed MW2 should be on deck.)

In any case, the report specifies "at least the next three" Call of Duty releases so even if Microsoft were to delay the 2023 targeted game, it (or whatever game replaces it) would likely still be on PlayStation whenever it does come out.
Call me when COD 2022 launches on the Switch Pro  :teehee
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on January 26, 2022, 05:21:56 PM
just had a shudder go down my spine thinking about a western studio remaking any MGS game :kobeyuck

I feel like Konami already tried this themselves with MG Survive.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: BisMarckie on January 26, 2022, 05:26:52 PM
Survive was an amazing feat. They managed to make the best controlling third person action game actually incredibly boring and dull to play.

Survive probably had a dev budget of 5000 bucks.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Svejk on February 01, 2022, 08:51:52 AM
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-01/microsoft-deal-for-activision-to-be-reviewed-by-ftc-in-u-s?sref=mf7tnsts

Even though MS is TBTF, it would be hilarious if somehow it fell through.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on February 09, 2022, 06:07:30 PM
https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2022/02/09/open-app-store-principles-activision-blizzard/
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLK06WOXsAo-kD0?format=jpg&name=medium)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on February 09, 2022, 11:02:57 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/JUwPi9G.jpg)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on February 22, 2022, 06:12:19 PM
https://twitter.com/_Tom_Henderson_/status/1496248820048580611 (https://twitter.com/_Tom_Henderson_/status/1496248820048580611)

COD 2023 delayed
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: bork on February 22, 2022, 09:33:30 PM
:thinking

Wonder if they will release a new Warzone to make up for it.

Edit: Yup.

https://twitter.com/jasonschreier/status/1496259246001905670
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: MMaRsu on February 23, 2022, 07:14:50 AM
A shocking move

Lmao
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Pissy F Benny on February 23, 2022, 08:22:43 AM
I wonder how much this is down to MS, if they wasn't selling Kotick would probably chain their staff to their desks until Nov 2023 :trumps

also this smells like the treyarch joint will be CALL OF DUTY GOES OPEN WORLD FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER :win
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Raist on February 23, 2022, 02:23:42 PM
MS buys Activision, CoD gets a one year delay.

:pika
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on February 23, 2022, 02:27:07 PM
If they move COD22 to 23 or don't do COD23 and just Warzone then whatever COD comes after COD22 is exclusive to Xbox.
The likely scenario is COD22 in 2022(or delayed to 2023) and Warzone 2 in 2023. I think Warzone is now big enough to be a stand-alone COD release to carry 2023.

Jason Soyer wrecked :pacspit
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Tasty on November 24, 2022, 10:14:11 AM
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/23/exclusive-feds-likely-to-challenge-microsofts-69-billion-activision-takeover-00070787

:obama
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: MMaRsu on November 25, 2022, 05:21:46 AM
They really need to fuck off and let this deal go through asap.

I need Microsoft to shake things up at Activision
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Raist on November 26, 2022, 04:18:04 AM
I need Microsoft to run Activision into the ground like they've done to every other studio.

ftfy
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: who is ted danson? on November 26, 2022, 05:28:27 PM
fuck the feds
we need more shit on gamepass
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on November 26, 2022, 06:12:23 PM
fuck the feds
we need more shit on gamepass
This is the only reason why I want MS to buy the Husk of Activision :trumps

I don't know what the feds are thinking if this falls through the Activision stock price will plummet, making it a target for a buy-out anyway.
Unless they prefer EA to buy it for 2 cents on the dollar and run COD into the ground within a year, just hand it over to team green.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: benjipwns on January 15, 2023, 10:46:08 PM
GAMERS RISE UP: https://www.saverilawfirm.com/our-cases/microsoft-acquisition-of-activision-litigation
Quote from: https://www.saverilawfirm.com/hubfs/2022-12-20%20Microsoft%20Merger%20Complaint.pdf
Plaintiffs
23. The Plaintiffs named below are individual citizens of the cities and states listed.
Each Plaintiff is a consumer of video games, all with the express interest and intent in ensuring
that the industry remains competitive, with the utmost innovation, output, choice, and price
constraints, now and in the future. The potential acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft
threatens loss and harm to the Plaintiffs, and to the public at large, of the salutary benefits of
substantial competition within the video game industry.

24. Dante DeMartini is a video gamer located in San Francisco, California. Mr.
DeMartini plays video games on the PlayStation console and on his personal computer using
Windows OS. Mr. DeMartini plays or has purchased titles from Activision Blizzard, including
multiple versions of Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Overwatch 2, Starcraft II, Diablo
III, and Hearthstone.

25. Curtis Burns Jr. is a video gamer located in San Francisco, California. Mr. Burns
plays video games on the PlayStation console. Mr. Burns plays or has purchased titles from
Activision Blizzard, including Call of Duty.

26. Nicholas Elden is a video gamer located in Hoboken, New Jersey. Mr. Elden plays
video games on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and on mobile devices. Mr. Elden plays or
has purchased titles from Activision Blizzard, including Call of Duty, Diablo, Tony Hawk, and
others.

27. Jessie Galvan is a video gamer located in San Francisco, California. Mr. Galvan
plays video games on the PlayStation 5 console. Mr. Galvan plays or has purchased titles from
Activision Blizzard, including Call of Duty.

28. Christopher Joseph Giddings-LaFaye is a video gamer located in San Rafael,
California. Mr. Giddings plays video games on his personal computer using Windows OS. Mr.
Giddings plays or has purchased titles from Activision Blizzard, including Call of Duty and
Overwatch.

29. Steve Herrera is a video gamer located in Oakland, California. Mr. Herrera plays
video games on PlayStation consoles and the Nintendo Switch. Mr. Herrera plays or has
purchased titles from Activision Blizzard, including Call of Duty titles, Overwatch, Overwatch 2,
Crash Bandicoot, and Marvel Ultimate Alliance.

30. Hunter Joseph Jakupko is a video gamer located in Los Angeles, California.
Hunter Joseph Jakupko plays video games on Xbox and PlayStation consoles as well as his
personal computer using Apple OS. Mr. Jakupko plays or has purchased titles from Activision
Blizzard, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty: Warzone 2, World of Warcraft,
and Overwatch 2.

31. Daniel Dermot Alfred Loftus is a video gamer located in San Rafael, California.
Mr. Loftus plays video games on PlayStation consoles. Mr. Loftus plays or has purchased titles
from Activision Blizzard, including Call of Duty and Overwatch.

32. Beowulf Edward Owen is a video gamer located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Mr.
Owen plays video games on his personal computer using the Windows operating system and Xbox
consoles. Mr. Owen plays or has purchased titles from Activision Blizzard including Call of Duty
and Overwatch.

33. Ivan Calvo-Perez is a video gamer located in San Francisco, California. Mr. CalvoPerez plays video games on the PlayStation consoles and on his personal computer using
Windows OS. Mr. Calvo-Perez plays or has purchased titles from Activision Blizzard, including
Call of Duty, Diablo, Starcraft, and Warcraft 3.
Quote
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
A. Declaring, finding, adjudging, and decreeing that the agreement to
consolidate Microsoft and Activision Blizzard violates Section 7 of the Clayton Antitrust
Act, 15 U.S.C. § 18.
B. Preliminarily enjoining Defendants from consummating the merger, or, if
necessary, ordering divestiture, during the pendency of this action.
C. Permanently enjoining Defendants from consummating the merger or
requiring divestiture.
D. Declaring the contract between the Defendants to be null and void and
against the public policy of the United States which declares that competition rather than
combination is the rule of trade in the United States;
E. Declaring the reverse termination fee agreement between Defendants to be
null and void and against the public policy of the United States; and
F. Awarding to Plaintiffs their costs of suit, including a reasonable attorney’s fee,
as provided by Section 16 of the Clayton Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. § 26.
G. Granting Plaintiffs such other and further relief to which they may be
entitled and which the Court finds to be just and proper.
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: MMaRsu on January 16, 2023, 01:28:06 PM
Can I sue them for not bringing Tony Hawk to Steam?
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Pissy F Benny on January 16, 2023, 01:32:00 PM
I have it on steam :smug
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: MMaRsu on January 18, 2023, 04:04:05 AM
I have it on steam :smug

Not the new remake
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Pissy F Benny on January 19, 2023, 11:19:20 AM
I have it on steam :smug

Not the new remake

Yes I do :smug
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on January 21, 2023, 12:59:12 PM
https://twitter.com/TWTHEREDDRAGON/status/1616817860130619392 (https://twitter.com/TWTHEREDDRAGON/status/1616817860130619392)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: MMaRsu on January 21, 2023, 01:32:57 PM
I have it on steam :smug

Not the new remake

Yes I do :smug

A shortcut doesnt count
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Pissy F Benny on January 21, 2023, 03:13:18 PM
Its in my steam library on my steam deck, therefore I have it on steam :elon
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on February 08, 2023, 07:48:52 AM
https://twitter.com/VGC_News/status/1623296390540451841 (https://twitter.com/VGC_News/status/1623296390540451841)

Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: MMaRsu on February 08, 2023, 08:51:05 AM
Its in my steam library on my steam deck, therefore I have it on steam :elon

No
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on February 21, 2023, 05:37:16 PM
https://twitter.com/PostUp_bbb/status/1628157196939796480 (https://twitter.com/PostUp_bbb/status/1628157196939796480)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on March 02, 2023, 07:50:12 PM
Looks like they managed to tank Xbox enough

https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1631321704029999106 (https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1631321704029999106)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Beezy on March 24, 2023, 10:14:23 AM
https://twitter.com/Wario64/status/1639254550627643394
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Pissy F Benny on March 24, 2023, 11:47:17 AM
As long as Phil lets them make (good) Tony Hawk games and doesn't roll every half decent studio into the COD content mine its fine by me :elon
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: MMaRsu on March 24, 2023, 05:28:34 PM
Hopefully Tony Hawk comes to Steam
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Eel O'Brian on March 25, 2023, 07:12:46 PM
They need to get the backwards compatibility team back together, there's a shitload of Activision published OG/360 games MIA
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on June 27, 2023, 08:30:32 AM
clown company of clowns

https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1673434220734062592 (https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1673434220734062592)

(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/915365221806264350/1123078452833177610/image0.jpg)

https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1673448033579573253 (https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1673448033579573253)

https://twitter.com/stephentotilo/status/1673470891433271297 (https://twitter.com/stephentotilo/status/1673470891433271297)

Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on June 27, 2023, 08:31:12 AM
https://twitter.com/stephentotilo/status/1673486928191029248 (https://twitter.com/stephentotilo/status/1673486928191029248)

lmao they wanted to outright buy Sony and considered Nintendo a 'mobile' company.

Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: MMaRsu on June 27, 2023, 12:52:59 PM
Stephen Totillo is making all the wrong assumptions  ??? ::)
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: Nintex on June 29, 2023, 06:27:00 PM
The FTC is losing the argument on console exclusivity badly. The judge also doesn't buy that the Switch is somehow its own seperate market.

https://twitter.com/FOSSpatents/status/1674544278020947968
Title: Re: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard
Post by: MMaRsu on June 30, 2023, 05:01:13 AM
If a injuction is granted then lmaoooo that would be so dumb

Ftc was horrible in court. No evidence just conjecture