adonfraz

CMA has folded - They are longer concerned about Sony.

"Having considered the additional evidence provided, we have now provisionally concluded that the merger will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in console gaming services because the cost to Microsoft of withholding Call of Duty from PlayStation would outweigh any gains from taking such action."

https://www.gov.uk/g...tivision-review

It's a wrap - No way the deal gets blocked for cloud gaming.

Appears that Microsoft isn’t even offering concessions to Sony in the ATB deal now. Would be pretty ironic if all their bickering actually did end up having Call of Duty pulled from PlayStation. (Which I still doubt because MS likes money)

That's just the EC though.

The CMA will definitely have remedies in place for Sony.

Then once the EC/CMA approve the deal, the FTC won't have a leg to stand on.

I just want this done so we get Diablo IV in Game Pass....

Starfield delay is disappointing, but it is what it is.

As for Game Pass, like many of the CAGs here, I don't even pay out of pocket for it, and personally I've played well over 150 GP titles over the years.

Evil Dead 2 is a GP perk! Pretty cool throwback...random 80s movies would be a sweet value if this becomes a thing.

Thanks for the heads up - I rarely check the perks.

More ABK news out today.

Practically all the relevant regulatory bodies aside from the FTC will make a decision before the end of April.

The FTC also denied Sony's request to block MS's subpoena.

http://www.fosspaten...ge-largely.html

Sudden Strike 4 complete edition is free gwg for March that is not yet announced probably https://www.xbox.com...on/bvgh0blwlr52

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

Trüberbrook showing free with Gold too. 

https://www.xbox.com...ok/9p17k8g4h6hg

Managed to get a Dell order confirmed.

I had to order a month of GPU and a $10 Xbox GC.

Also used code GAME10 to get the order below $25.

Free $25 Dell Credit for signing up for Alienware Arena Account. Credit expires 3/31/2023. Can use it to get Microsoft credit.

 

https://na.alienware...35-3ec7b86557e0

Dell cancelled my order.

Edit: They credited my rewards, and I reordered it again and they cancelled it lol.

What's the easiest way to get "play a PC game"? Thanks!

I just boot up a PC game and AFK for a few minutes and the task completes.

Seems like Microsoft decided to give us coal for Christmas instead of GamePass games in the second half of December.

I'd give it another day - The first batch of Game Pass games this month were announced on a Thursday.

This wasn't part of the Black Friday sale, and appears to be a new low price - https://www.xbox.com.../1/9N2QB8QRPC5H

 

Do you already have this, either standalone or from the Ultimate Edition? - https://www.xbox.com.../1/9P2CVP7RD7MF

lmao

Makes me think there's been strong movements of the Microsoft and Activision thing or enough so that it's a near done deal.

FTC is voting on this soon, so they've been pulling out all the stops.

MS got the CWA on their side to publicly support the deal as great for workers, and they made commitments to Steam and Nintendo.

I doubt any regulatory body wants to spend the time and money it would take to fight MS on this deal, especially in this economy.

It probably goes through, but it's not close to a done deal.

No one is saying that Activision/Blizzard is a company that is loved by all.  What I'm talking about is the fact that it all comes down to whether you believe purchases like this are pro-consumer or not.  

 

The history of capitalism points to the fact that when there are less companies to buy from consumers are (either immediately or eventually) harmed.

 

I'm not arguing that Gamepass wouldn't be improved, I'm just saying that consumers are harmed when massive companies become even more massive companies where consumers have less choice where to buy from.  

Your overall points on consumer choice and competition are valid but how does the ABK deal apply?

If you go out and buy an ABK game today, you are buying it through PlayStation, Xbox, BattleNet marketplace on PC (Sometimes Steam), or a retailer.

When/If the deal closes ABK games would be available on more platforms (For instance Nintendo and ABK games would then always come to Steam for sure), not less.

Consumers would literally have more choices.

If MS was purchasing a large platform holder, then I'd agree.

ABK's BattleNet certainly isn't one.

Feds likely to challenge Microsoft’s $69 billion Activision takeover

 

https://www.politico...keover-00070787

 

So Sony wins?

 

Now watch Sony purchase Square Enix and make PlayStation exclusive.

This means the FTC is definitely going to ask for some concessions or a consent decree (CoD stays on PlayStation or cannot go into Game Pass). 

The suit is in case MS and the FTC cannot come to an agreement.

I'll send a code for a digital copy of Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom (4K, MA...) to the first person to like this post.

Thanks