I think it could, if not early 2023. I do think MS would’ve done their best to have everything ready for anything that comes up so they don’t have to waste time to get materials during the review.
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These dudes really don’t get it, huh? Xbox is not going away, period.
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And that was mostly because the EU commission is usually quite busy.
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That ship has sailed. A failed console was supposed to give a sign within a year. It’s already year later and not only the consoles are selling fast but it’s becoming their best selling console ever. You didn’t get that with Saturn or Dreamcast or Wii U.
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Trust me Microsoft has packets and packets and packets of data. Microsoft is probably one of the top 10 companies in the world at this type of data aggregation and analysis. The market research they would have on the sector is going to be volumes long.
They guaranteed already have a quarterly update on white page papers for all of the top players and competitors which Activision definitely would fall under.
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They most certainly have anticipated from the very beginning that it would be the FTC handling the case, what to say, how to present stuff favorably, maybe even using Bungie who knows.
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Yup and would have went through every single possible situation and made plans for it.
Edit: On another note I hope we get Hearthstone on console!
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I don’t expect any trouble from the FTC. But this stuff is always political so maybe they force some concessions. We will find out shortly.
EU or FTC who going take their time?
This was expected. The person who would be making that kinda decision on the DoJ’s end was literally a MS acquisition lobbyist for 10 yrs before going to the DoJ, so he would need to recuse himself. Easier to just let FTC deal with it. I dunno if it means anything other than the steps are being taken already, which we also knew was something taht was imminent.
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I think that already has happened, given the statements from Ken Buck and Phil’s call to Sony.
It is faster than I thought tbh
Tom Henderson, the guy who claimed Gran Turismo 7 was being delayed like two days before Sony announced a State of Play and reaffirmed the release date? Oh yeah, he knows his stuff
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I read up on Lina Khan, because I was curious about this whole new push from the FTC to limit big mergers. I’m nervous now, I don’t advise reading up on her history and stances. This thing is going to take way too long for me to worry the whole time lol.
I wouldn’t stress about it. The ABK deal doesn’t put MS in a dominant position that stifles competition. Even if it is challenged there are things MS could do such as continue to offer certain games up for sale on competing platforms and services.
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she a tough person but she is also smart and is picking her battles MS is probably not on her radar as the rest of FAANG or IS it MAANG
Yeah but this lady literally has raged against big tech for years and isnt looking to act like previous, but instead set precedent against tech companies using their strong financial position to invest in other areas. Also wants to break all the bug tech companies into like quarters. Honestly can’t believe this person’s running the FTC if I’m being honest.
Why? In his latest video Hoeg stated that, eventhough Microsofot should has concerns (as any deal of this magnitude should) it is normal for the FTC to be more strict after the years of big tech acquring without problems. They still need to present a coherent argument if they want this deal to not happen.
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I wouldn’t be worried but from reading up on Lina Khan, she’s a 32 year old prodigy that absolutely hates big tech. Her interviews and past statements about big tech seem like she’d find a way to make sure every big deal falls through.
And that is the important thing to keep in mind because to some people it seems like they think the FTC can just decide to block it because they feel like it.
Even if a decision has largely been made for political reason, the FTC still needs to present a legal basis as to why the deal should be blocked and they honestly seem to have an uphil battle on that front.
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