If anyone wants to delve deeper…
The CMA grants consent for Microsoft to acquire ABK (this was required due to the original deal being blocked):
CMA getting kinda sassy…spicy, overdramatic?
www.gov.uk
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA said:
The CMA is resolute in its determination to prevent mergers that harm competition and deliver bad outcomes for consumers and businesses. We take our decisions free from political influence and we won't be swayed by corporate lobbying.
We delivered a clear message to Microsoft that the deal would be blocked unless they comprehensively addressed our concerns and stuck to our guns on that.
With the sale of Activision's cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft, we've made sure Microsoft can't have a stranglehold over this important and rapidly developing market. As cloud gaming grows, this intervention will ensure people get more competitive prices, better services and more choice. We are the only competition agency globally to have delivered this outcome.
But businesses and their advisors should be in no doubt that the tactics employed by Microsoft are no way to engage with the CMA. Microsoft had the chance to restructure during our initial investigation but instead continued to insist on a package of measures that we told them simply wouldn't work. Dragging out proceedings in this way only wastes time and money.
Martin Coleman, Chair of the Independent Panel who reviewed the original Microsoft deal, said:
Cloud gaming is an important new way for gamers to access games and this deal could have seriously undermined its potential development. On that we, the European Commission and the US Federal Trade Commission are in full agreement. Where we differ is on how we solve that problem. We rejected a solution put to us by the parties which would have left Microsoft with too much control.
We now have a new transaction in which the cloud distribution of Activision games, old and new, is taken away from Microsoft and put into the hands of Ubisoft, an independent party who is committed to widening access to the games. That's better for competition, better for consumers and better for economic growth.
The CMA grants consent for Microsoft to acquire ABK (this was required due to the original deal being blocked):
- Full text decision (7 pages)
- Full text decision (13 pages)
- Final undertakings (23 pages)
CMA getting kinda sassy…spicy, overdramatic?
Microsoft concession a gamechanger that will promote competition
The new deal for Microsoft to buy Activision without cloud gaming rights has been cleared after the CMA concluded it would preserve competitive prices and better services.
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA said:
The CMA is resolute in its determination to prevent mergers that harm competition and deliver bad outcomes for consumers and businesses. We take our decisions free from political influence and we won't be swayed by corporate lobbying.
We delivered a clear message to Microsoft that the deal would be blocked unless they comprehensively addressed our concerns and stuck to our guns on that.
With the sale of Activision's cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft, we've made sure Microsoft can't have a stranglehold over this important and rapidly developing market. As cloud gaming grows, this intervention will ensure people get more competitive prices, better services and more choice. We are the only competition agency globally to have delivered this outcome.
But businesses and their advisors should be in no doubt that the tactics employed by Microsoft are no way to engage with the CMA. Microsoft had the chance to restructure during our initial investigation but instead continued to insist on a package of measures that we told them simply wouldn't work. Dragging out proceedings in this way only wastes time and money.
Martin Coleman, Chair of the Independent Panel who reviewed the original Microsoft deal, said:
Cloud gaming is an important new way for gamers to access games and this deal could have seriously undermined its potential development. On that we, the European Commission and the US Federal Trade Commission are in full agreement. Where we differ is on how we solve that problem. We rejected a solution put to us by the parties which would have left Microsoft with too much control.
We now have a new transaction in which the cloud distribution of Activision games, old and new, is taken away from Microsoft and put into the hands of Ubisoft, an independent party who is committed to widening access to the games. That's better for competition, better for consumers and better for economic growth.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/RUP7JO5KPZMRPIN436ARZAQ5LI.jpg)
Microsoft closes $69 billion Activision deal after Britain's nod
Xbox maker Microsoft closed its $69 billion deal for Activision Blizzard on Friday, swelling its heft in the video-gaming market with best-selling titles including "Call of Duty" to better compete with industry leader Sony .
www.reuters.com
Microsoft said it was "grateful for the CMA's thorough review and decision".
"We have now crossed the final regulatory hurdle to close this acquisition, which we believe will benefit players and the gaming industry worldwide," Vice Chair and President Brad Smith said.
Activision Blizzard said: "The CMA's official approval is great news for our future with Microsoft, and we look forward to becoming part of the Xbox Team."
The European Commission said the new commitments given by Microsoft to the CMA did not interfere with its EU commitments.
Microsoft closes $69 billion Activision deal after Britain's nod
Xbox maker Microsoft closed its $69 billion deal for Activision Blizzard on Friday, swelling its heft in the video-gaming market with best-selling titles including "Call of Duty" to better compete with industry leader Sony .
www.reuters.com
The European Commission on Friday ruled out a review of the merger because, it said, it did not constitute a new deal.
"The CMA's official approval is great news for our future with Microsoft, and we look forward to becoming part of the Xbox Team," Activision said.
Despite the FTC proceedings, Microsoft and Activision are expected to close their transaction, which was first announced in January 2022, in the coming days and ahead of a final deadline on October 18.
"Clearly we are mindful of the global nature" of these deals, Cardell said in Friday's interview with the FT. "At the end of the day we will take the decisions we need to take for the UK."
From the lawyer…
The merger is done and nothing will change that, but for those interested in the process and potentially getting more info and insights from the industry, there are still some interesting topics to follow during the next months:
- The FTC appeal in front of the Ninth Circuit: oral arguments are expected to happen in December 2023.
- The FTC resuming the administrative process in January/February 2024.
- The gamer's lawsuit: February 5th 2024 is the placeholder trial date for it.
- The implementation of the different remedies: the ECcommitments and the CMA undertakings, including the original cloud agreements (Ubitus, Nivida, Boosteroid and Nware) + the Ubisoft Agreement.
- The annual reports about the implementation of the corresponding remedies: we should get the first one on March 31st 2024 through the CMA.
- The execution of the Nintendo, Sony and CWAagreements.
- Any potential conflicts or issues that could arise due to all of the above.
Some of them are likely to be dropped (the FTC case or the gamers' lawsuit) but at least the first 6 months post transaction (probably more) could still be entertaining.
The merger is done and nothing will change that, but for those interested in the process and potentially getting more info and insights from the industry, there are still some interesting topics to follow during the next months:
- The FTC appeal in front of the Ninth Circuit: oral arguments are expected to happen in December 2023.
- The FTC resuming the administrative process in January/February 2024.
- The gamer's lawsuit: February 5th 2024 is the placeholder trial date for it.
- The implementation of the different remedies: the ECcommitments and the CMA undertakings, including the original cloud agreements (Ubitus, Nivida, Boosteroid and Nware) + the Ubisoft Agreement.
- The annual reports about the implementation of the corresponding remedies: we should get the first one on March 31st 2024 through the CMA.
- The execution of the Nintendo, Sony and CWAagreements.
- Any potential conflicts or issues that could arise due to all of the above.
Some of them are likely to be dropped (the FTC case or the gamers' lawsuit) but at least the first 6 months post transaction (probably more) could still be entertaining.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/RFP3FVKEV5IVNGGIATGB4YI36U.jpg)
U.S. antitrust enforcer says pressing on with fight against Microsoft/Activision deal
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Friday it remained focused on its appeal opposing Xbox maker Microsoft's now-closed $69 billion deal to buy Activision but would "assess" the company's agreement with Ubisoft .
www.reuters.com
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Friday it remained focused on its appeal opposing Xbox maker Microsoft's now-closed $69 billion deal to buy Activision but would "assess" the company's agreement with Ubisoft.
"Microsoft and Activision's new agreement with Ubisoft presents a whole new facet to the merger that will affect American consumers, which the FTC will assess as part of its ongoing administrative proceeding," added spokeswoman Victoria Graham. "The FTC continues to believe this deal is a threat to competition."
Phil Spencer Cancels Activision-Blizzard Deal After Playing Overwatch 2 For the First Time
REDMOND, WA — Despite the prior announcement that the long-awaited deal between Microsoft Gaming and Activision-Blizzard King closed earlier today, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has…
hard-drive.net
Activision CEO: Microsoft Deal Is Perfect Combination
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick talks about Microsoft buying his company for $69 billion dollars. He says it is a "perfect combination" because of Microsoft's long history in the gaming industry. He speaks on "Bloomberg Technology." (Source: Bloomberg)
www.bloomberg.com
Activision's Kotick on Microsoft Deal, His Future
Microsoft has completed its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Activision CEO Bobby Kotick says the deal will help Activision compete in the gaming space and Microsoft will be a "perfect home" for the next generation of gaming. Kotick says he'll focus on philanthropy when he leaves...
www.bloomberg.com
I heard it was awful but, sheesh!! lolPhil Spencer Cancels Activision-Blizzard Deal After Playing Overwatch 2 For the First Time
REDMOND, WA — Despite the prior announcement that the long-awaited deal between Microsoft Gaming and Activision-Blizzard King closed earlier today, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has…
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There was a rumour, think it was last year, saying WoW was being ported to console.
Looking like clowns the first time round wasn't enough. Lol.U.S. antitrust enforcer says pressing on with fight against Microsoft/Activision deal
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Friday it remained focused on its appeal opposing Xbox maker Microsoft's now-closed $69 billion deal to buy Activision but would "assess" the company's agreement with Ubisoft .
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Friday it remained focused on its appeal opposing Xbox maker Microsoft's now-closed $69 billion deal to buy Activision but would "assess" the company's agreement with Ubisoft.
"Microsoft and Activision's new agreement with Ubisoft presents a whole new facet to the merger that will affect American consumers, which the FTC will assess as part of its ongoing administrative proceeding," added spokeswoman Victoria Graham. "The FTC continues to believe this deal is a threat to competition."
Microsoft Tells 9th Circ. UK OK On Activision Is Good Enough - Law360
The United Kingdom's decision to greenlight Microsoft's $68.7 billion deal with Activision Blizzard is reason enough to stop the Ninth Circuit from reviving a failed bid to pause the merger while it's being challenged by gamers and the Federal Trade Commission, the tech behemoth has argued.
www.law360.com
The United Kingdom's decision to greenlight Microsoft's $68.7 billion deal with Activision Blizzard is reason enough to stop the Ninth Circuit from reviving a failed bid to pause the merger while it's being challenged by gamers and the Federal Trade Commission, the tech behemoth has argued.
Meet Microsoft games chief Phil Spencer, who helped drive $69 billion Activision deal
Phil Spencer, who joined Microsoft as an intern in 1988 and rose up to lead the games business, was instrumental in the Activision Blizzard purchase
www.cnbc.com
- Phil Spencer, who joined Microsoft as an intern in 1988 and rose up to lead the games business, was instrumental in the Activision Blizzard purchase.
- Gaming has long been a secondary business for Microsoft, which dominates in PC software.
- "It is an extraordinary amount of money for Microsoft, whose core business is not gaming," said Don Coyner, who was the first person to work on marketing inside the company's Xbox unit.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says he weighs 2 factors when considering making an acquisition
Microsoft recently closed its $69 billion Activision Blizzard deal and has also acquired names like LinkedIn and GitHub under Nadella's leadership.
www.businessinsider.com
Nadella discussed his thought process for acquisitions while speaking at the Axel Springer Award ceremony in Berlin on Tuesday. Axel Springer is Insider's parent company.
"To me there are a couple of criteria," Nadella said. "First thing is, is this something that Microsoft can add real value to? If you take LinkedIn or GitHub or Activision or Mojang or what have you, they all have to make sense that Microsoft has some unique contribution that we can make both because of our technology, our brand, our go-to-market to the asset. Otherwise, why do it? And then of course at the end of the day, it has to make financial sense as well."
Nadella has spoken before about the importance of gaming to Microsoft's future.
"As a large company, I think it's critical to define the core, but it's important to make smart choices on other businesses in which we can have fundamental impact and success," he wrote in a memo to employees a few months after he became CEO in 2014. "The single biggest digital life category, measured in both time and money spent, in a mobile-first world is gaming"
Am I the only one who thinks this will have a lot less impact than most people think?
It will help MS sell tons more Game Pass subs and probably some hardware. They'll also own a cash cow, which is a big win. Meanwhile, team blue can go about their lives without any real change. They can buy COD and other games and play them on PS hardware.
It is a smart move by MS and will help them, but I don't see it completely changing the console wars.
It will help MS sell tons more Game Pass subs and probably some hardware. They'll also own a cash cow, which is a big win. Meanwhile, team blue can go about their lives without any real change. They can buy COD and other games and play them on PS hardware.
It is a smart move by MS and will help them, but I don't see it completely changing the console wars.
COD yes. I suspect all new single player games will be skipping PS, just like they did with Bethesda.
I don’t see many games from their catalog mentioned by anyone or hype for them. Like it’s cool to get cod on GP, definetly Tony Hawk for sure, but I can’t see a new crash game, like the only jewel of creativeness would be that one dev that make it takes two
I agree but I don't think the acquisition was made "win a console war". Personally, I think the King part of the acquisition was their main goal. MS wanted a larger presence in mobile and boy did they get it. Plus King is meg profitable.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/QFR65HW6KJOR7EKXZQMFRLLYBE.jpg)
Candy Crush Saga hits $20 billion revenue milestone, maker King says
Candy Crush Saga, the matching game played by millions on their commute, has reached $20 billion in revenue since its 2012 launch, maker King said, adding that it would soon release levels up to 15,000 for the most dedicated players.
www.reuters.com
That and COD mobile. Warzone Mobile will also be huge.I agree but I don't think the acquisition was made "win a console war". Personally, I think the King part of the acquisition was their main goal. MS wanted a larger presence in mobile and boy did they get it. Plus King is meg profitable.
Candy Crush Saga hits $20 billion revenue milestone, maker King says
Candy Crush Saga, the matching game played by millions on their commute, has reached $20 billion in revenue since its 2012 launch, maker King said, adding that it would soon release levels up to 15,000 for the most dedicated players.
And still COD dwarfs it.I agree but I don't think the acquisition was made "win a console war". Personally, I think the King part of the acquisition was their main goal. MS wanted a larger presence in mobile and boy did they get it. Plus King is meg profitable.
Candy Crush Saga hits $20 billion revenue milestone, maker King says
Candy Crush Saga, the matching game played by millions on their commute, has reached $20 billion in revenue since its 2012 launch, maker King said, adding that it would soon release levels up to 15,000 for the most dedicated players.
Maybe... but considering how scared Sony got, I'd think it's a much bigger deal than what playstation fans care to admit... or maybe Sony miscalculated the danger in the acquisition idk
Guess it depends what impact people think it will have. Can't say I have seen much "Playstation is dead" or "console war over" type of stuff.
Most of what I have seen has been about the Acti games coming to GP and the buzz that has generated.