This article discusses the history of competition and control in the video game industry, focusing on the role of 3rd-party developers and the strategies of major console manufacturers. It also examines the recent acquisition of Activision by Microsoft and the concerns raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The article argues that Microsoft's acquisition is a response to Sony's dominance in the market and a bet on a new business model that offers consumers a better deal. The author questions the FTC's concerns and suggests that the real threat to the industry is the dominance of storefronts that extract high fees without contributing to development.
Microsoft's court document leak revealed plans for new consoles, a new controller, and a list of game projects, with Xbox chief Phil Spencer stating that Nintendo could be Microsoft's best bet for consumer relevance in gaming.
Microsoft's leaked documents reveal discussions of the company considering acquisitions of Nintendo, Valve, and Warner Bros. Games, as well as potential remasters of Bethesda's Oblivion and Fallout 3, and the majority of Xbox gamers using the lower-powered Series S console.
Main topic: Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard
Key points:
1. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has stated that Microsoft's revised agreement addresses previous concerns and clears the way for the deal to be approved.
2. The sale of Activision's cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft is a significant change that prevents Microsoft from gaining control of important content in cloud gaming.
3. The CMA still wants assurances that the provisions in the sale of cloud streaming rights cannot be circumvented, terminated, or not enforced, but believes Microsoft's offered remedies should resolve any remaining concerns.
Microsoft is one step closer to acquiring game publisher Activision Blizzard, which would make Microsoft one of the top three video game publishers in the world.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer confirms that more Microsoft-published games from Japanese developers can be expected in the future, including potential JRPG projects, while also mentioning the progress of the highly-anticipated game from Hideo Kojima.
Capcom's COO, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, stated in an interview that the company would decline an offer from Microsoft, preferring to be equal partners, as Capcom is currently thriving and values organic growth rather than acquisitions.
Capcom President Haruhiro Tsujimoto believes that video games are too cheap and that game prices should be raised due to increased development costs and the need for rising wages in the industry.
Microsoft is set to announce the finalization of its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard next week, pending approval from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, after overcoming regulatory battles in Europe and the US.
Microsoft is expected to complete its $69 billion buyout of Activision Blizzard next week, pending final approval from the UK, allowing for the potential integration of Activision Blizzard games onto the Xbox Game Pass platform.
Microsoft is set to complete its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard next week pending approval from UK regulator, the CMA.
Microsoft is nearing a deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, and Activision's president believes that the acquisition will improve the "Call of Duty" franchise.
Activision has announced that their titles will not be available on Game Pass until next year if Microsoft's acquisition deal is approved, but they expect to work with Xbox to bring their titles to more players around the world.
Microsoft's planned acquisition of Activision-Blizzard-King for $72 billion is expected to close soon pending final UK approval, with Activision CEO Bobby Kotick hinting at the revival of franchises like Guitar Hero and discussing future tech like machine learning and AI.
Microsoft has completed its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, making it the company's largest acquisition ever and positioning Microsoft as the third-largest gaming company by revenue.
Microsoft has finalized its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, with Xbox chief Phil Spencer welcoming Activision Blizzard King employees in an internal memo and expressing excitement about the prospects of the unified team.
Microsoft completed its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, boosting its Xbox gaming console and multi-game subscription service, despite facing opposition from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Microsoft's recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard has given them ownership of a vast catalogue of classic games and IPs, including popular titles like Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, Diablo, Overwatch, Spyro, and Warcraft.
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard positions the company as a major player in the mobile gaming market, provides opportunities for revenue via mobile game advertising, and strengthens its Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming services.
Microsoft has completed its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard King, making it the company's largest acquisition ever and leading to speculation on how the gaming giant will handle its newfound intellectual properties.
