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.
The main topic is the history of competition and business models in the video game industry.
1. The industry has seen a shift from vertical integration to modularization, with the first video game console being the Magnavox Odyssey.
2. Atari's 2600 introduced the concept of self-contained game cartridges, allowing players to use the same system for different games.
3. Activision's emergence as a third-party developer marked a major restructuring of the industry, leading to a flood of poor quality games and the video game crash of 1983.
4. Sony's PlayStation and Nintendo's Famicom/NES implemented strict control over third-party developers, with Sony later pivoting to focus on exclusives.
5. Microsoft's acquisition of Activision raises concerns about competition, but it is actually a move to build a new business model based on subscription services, which challenges Sony's exclusive strategy.
Bethesda's RPGs, including the Elder Scrolls series and Fallout 4, have been defined by their open worlds, immersive storytelling, and emphasis on player freedom, with each game building on the success and innovations of the ones that came before it.
Nintendo has discussed the successor to its Nintendo Switch console with Activision-Blizzard executives, aiming to attract third-party titles and upgrade technical capabilities to match PlayStation and Xbox.
Microsoft's leaked presentation reveals their vision to create a next-generation hybrid game platform that combines the power of cloud gaming and physical hardware for deeper immersion and new game experiences.
Microsoft is reportedly planning a mid-generation refresh of the Xbox Series X with a new disc-less cylindrical design, leaked documents reveal, along with the existence of a new controller and refreshed Xbox Series S, potentially damaging Xbox's gaming business.
Xbox's Phil Spencer considered Nintendo as a potential acquisition, stating that it would be a good move for both companies, although he acknowledged the difficulty in securing Nintendo and the unlikelihood of a hostile takeover.
Bethesda's leaked upcoming releases include an Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster, Doom Year Zero, Fallout 3 remaster, Ghostwire: Tokyo 2, Dishonored 3, and an Indiana Jones game, among others, although some projects may have been delayed or shifted.
Microsoft is reportedly working on a "hybrid" Xbox platform that combines the power of the client and the cloud to deliver immersive gaming experiences, according to leaked documents.
A collection of Xbox files related to the FTC's case against Microsoft have been published online, revealing plans for the gaming console, including emails from executives and release timetables for games, with one document indicating that "The Elder Scrolls VI" may not be released until 2026 or later and will not be available for Playstation.
Newly released documents from the Xbox vs FTC case confirm that The Elder Scrolls 6 will be exclusive to Xbox and Windows PC, and reveal Microsoft's initial reaction to the PlayStation 5 and its later price hike.
Xbox chief Phil Spencer acknowledges the Xbox leak and assures Microsoft employees that the leaked documents are outdated and plans have evolved, promising to share the "real plans" when they are ready.
Microsoft has announced the upcoming titles joining and leaving Xbox Game Pass subscription service, including Payday 3, Gotham Knights, and more.
Microsoft's leaked document reveals that remastered versions of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and Fallout 3 may be in development, raising the possibility of them coming to PlayStation, despite being assumed to be exclusive to Xbox and PC.
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 plans for an all-digital Xbox refresh in 2024 have sparked concerns about game preservation and the disappearance of physical game discs.
### Summary
The leaked Xbox emails reveal interesting insights, such as Xbox's interest in acquiring Nintendo and Valve, Phil Spencer's nerdy and approachable management style, and the misclassification of Baldur's Gate 3 as a "second-run Stadia PC RPG" in internal Game Pass projections.
Bethesda's potential plan to release an official remastered version of Oblivion has sparked excitement among Elder Scrolls fans, but has also raised concerns for the modders behind the Skyblivion project.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer's analysis of the challenges faced by AAA video game publishers in the age of subscription platforms like Xbox Game Pass highlights the declining dominance of big publishers, their dependency on established franchises, and the need for new paradigms in the industry.
The leaked news of Microsoft's plan for a slim version of the Xbox Series X, codenamed "Brooklin," without a Blu-ray drive raises questions about the future of physical media and retail in gaming.
Console strategy gaming has seen a surge in popularity and success, marked by the release of games like Halo Wars and the porting of PC classics such as Age of Empires 2 to Xbox platforms, as hardware advancements and a shared understanding of controller use make strategy games more accessible to console players.
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.
Microsoft had a busy week with major news, including the Xbox Series X refresh leak, Panos Panay's departure from the company, a disappointing Surface and AI event, the leak of documents revealing plans for a new Xbox console and game library, and the provisional approval of Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard by the UK Competition and Markets Agency. Additionally, Intel unveiled its Meteor Lake CPUs, and Windows Central provided reviews and deals for Windows and Xbox enthusiasts.
Capcom's president, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, stated that while the company aims to sell 100 million copies of their games, they will maintain a central focus on PC and reject any acquisition deal from Microsoft.
Microsoft is nearing a deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, and Activision's president believes that the acquisition will improve the "Call of Duty" franchise.
Microsoft has released an emotional trailer to celebrate its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, showcasing the wealth of games Xbox now owns and welcoming the new franchises into the Xbox family.
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.
The Microsoft deal to acquire Activision Blizzard may have more potential for the future of cryptocurrency than the metaverse, despite initial emphasis on the metaverse in Microsoft's announcement, as leaked documents suggest plans to integrate crypto wallets into Xbox.
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 is complete, shifting the focus to discussing potential game updates and new IPs coming to Xbox Series X|S.
