Microsoft offering a free license to the individual that purchases the game so that they can stream it on whatever platform dismantle cloud gaming as a separate market instead it has to be seen as another form of distribution within the gaming market. The EU knew what they were doing that’s why the CMA came out so strongly against their decision.
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Interesting words from the British finance minister. I have a feeling there’s been some talks not just from Microsoft but also other tech companies with senior UK officials
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The bordering on paranoia from the CMA is right to be called out. Not only for obvious reasons but also because Microsoft will know that big tech is under scrutiny and will make other purchases, so it is in their best interest to assure regulators that they keep their word when it comes to contracts.
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I do not see any advantages with CAT appeal for the CMA. I think they will get obliterated if an appeal takes place in light of all that has come out considering pretty much the whole world against them. There was a rumor that CAT was already aware they worked backwards and now the parliament and the PM are not exactly cheering them on. A CAT tribunal that favors the CMA at this time would only make things worse in my opinion.
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It seems to me that the UK politicians and policy makers are identifying that they believe the CMA acted irrationally. That puts pressure on the CMA, but can also apply public pressure and influence to CAT. Obviosuly they wont base a decision on that, but it sure doesnt hurt.
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Let’s hope so. CAT is a legal test so political pressure makes zero difference. The CMA could be pressured still. Frankly if we had a decent government they’d have taken steps already.
I think the govt has taken some steps that the CMA should be aware of. The steering of the CMA at this time announced on a Microsoft website should have enough and then that grilling at the parliament was another one where Sarah Cardell made it clear there was no waiver in place when she visited the FTC chair. I would surmise at this point if that grilling wasn’t for show that Mrs. Cardell is probably now discussing how to reverse the decision. She certainly seemed shook at that hearing. Who knows if she really allowed Mrs. Khan to influence the CMA decision, they’ll be doing their best to stop it from ever going public. All that is needed is a whistle blower. This deal just might close this year maybe even at the expected date.
Whoever wrote that seems to have a very good understanding of what’s going on. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any single part of this whole charade explained so well. Along with the chancellor getting involved should cause certain people to pause and have a think about what they are posting.
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I wonder if new evidence (Luna launching in the UK) is another good point for CAT to review and send it back to CMA.
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This seems promising from the chancellor. Hes still a massive Jeremy Hunt tho
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I sort of dislike how the narrative going forward may be, “stop getting in the way of these companies making money” instead of “your analysis & judgment was completely flawed”
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A lot has changed in the last few years, if MS were to buy Bethesda now vs 2020, I feel there’d be a lot more push back
As for the size difference, you’re assuming that these regulators are thinking rationally and that because something like Sega is much smaller that they wouldn’t come up with some other BS just like they have done for this case
MS would have an easier case with a smaller publisher, that I agree on but that doesn’t mean regulators like the CMA/FTC wouldn’t continue making it a complete pain the ass and cause further issues
I agree but at the end of the day that what it comes down to, business and money
At the base level that’s something everyone understands and what politicians will focus on while the whole “flawed analysis” stuff will be for the courts to deal with
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They have in 2022 after ai training cutoff date.
I was just sent this CAT Tribunal update on judicial review from last month.
It seems to imply that CAT will stand by the CMA on all decision and refuse to review any substance even if the CMA is irrational and unreasonable. It implies the CMA as long as it follows procedure could not possible produce a mistake because they try hard and are trustworthy (lol).
Lol, if they hold that stance then there will be a big league standoff and exit of some kind because thats not an acceptable level of oversight or even following their own law as outlined regarding irrationality. Theres just no operating a business if one ideologic entity controls the entire future of your company.
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I saw that last week and automatically thought this deal was dead , until the EU approved the ABK deal. I think the message that Microsoft and ABK said to CMA and UK that the UK is Closed FOR BUSINESS caused a serious Alarm to go off and for government to get involved. I think the CMA will be forced to change there decision.
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Best case scenario the CAT and the powers that be basically tell the CMA, reserve the hard stances for the real stuff not vidya games.
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Can the government do anything with CAT? Is it actually run by them or like the CMA
Hopefully the UK government can influence the CAT decision to overturn the CMAs decision, if it doesn’t I would like to see how a scenario plays out if Microsoft geofences the UK and pulls out and if they do I guarantee UK government will get involved and directly approve the deal themselves.
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