Yeah, I wish people would realize that this is a business and that Sony isn’t “evil”, but merely looking out for their own business interests.
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Exactly. And just how they knew they can drop it at the drop of a hat, they were also keenly aware that what is happening was possible.
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I just wish they weren’t arrogant about it though. $70 games. No free upgrade. No cross play unless they pay (developer’s side). They should not be doing this. Not now. Hell, not ever.
For anyone interested:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000110465922005526/tm223212d10_defa14a.htm
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For the record, it’s day 2 after the announcement and I still can’t process it.
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Microsoft intends to offer as many Activision Blizzard games as it can within Game Pass, which should expand reach and engagement.
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Partnerships, platforms, and pipeline
- How does this transaction impact existing partner agreements (i.e., Sony, Google, Apple)? Will this change what we’re able to offer our partners or how we structure our agreements?
· We will honor all existing commitments post close. As with Microsoft’s acquisition of Minecraft, we have no intent to remove any content from platforms where it exists today.
· We would be open to discussions to enter into an agreement to confirm our intent when it is appropriate to do so.
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I think the intention is pretty clear.
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It certainly reads that way.
And it also sounds like they are working on internal issue resolution using diversity guidelines provided by Microsoft.
- Will Activision Blizzard’s recently implemented policies (i.e., zero-tolerance policy, arbitration, the Board Workplace Responsibility Committee) be carried over to Microsoft? Will we continue to provide updates on data, ongoing transparency, hiring DEI leaders, etc.? What will Microsoft do to ensure a positive, safe workplace?
· We don’t anticipate the announcement will interrupt any of the actions Activision Blizzard’s leadership team has implemented throughout 2021 and is continuing to implement in 2022 with regards to improving Activision Blizzard’s workplace.
· We will leverage Microsoft’s DEI initiatives/resources to support our commitment to creating a great workplace.
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Path to close / Integration
- What are the next steps? When is the transaction expected to close and when will integration efforts begin?
· The transaction is expected to close in Microsoft’s fiscal year ending in June 2023 subject to approval by Activision Blizzard 's shareholders, including many of you, and the satisfaction of customary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
· We are at the beginning of a comprehensive integration planning process to help finalize the specifics of the future organization. While we do not have additional information at this time, we are committed to providing updates as we are able and providing a smooth transition for employees, gamers, and business partners.
- Will Bobby remain CEO of Activision Blizzard under Microsoft?
· Bobby will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard, and he and his team will maintain their focus on driving the company’s culture change and accelerating business growth until closing. Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming.
- How and when will Activision Blizzard be integrated into Microsoft? Will we become part of Microsoft’s Gaming Division?
· Activision Blizzard will be housed within Microsoft’s Gaming Division.
· The integration will occur following the close of the transaction which is expected to occur in Microsoft’s fiscal year ending June 2023.
- Will Rob Kostich, Mike Ybarra, Humam Sakhnini, Brandon Snow, and Clement Xue continue in their roles following close?
· Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming.
Translation: Post close we are all at the mercy of Lord Spencer
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Could that also mean it could be done before June 2023 ?
It is technically possible. They have simply stated they expect it to close during the fiscal year. That is anytime between this coming June and the Next. Zenimax was about six months, I would expect this to take a bit longer than that. But I would bet on it being before next June.
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Basically, July of this year at the earliest and June 2023 at the latest.
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Correct. Im going to guess about a year from now, January 2023.
Edit: This obviously assumes minimal pushback and general smooth sailing, of course.
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Anyone else find it kind of odd that in a formally filed document like this they refer to the CEO as “Bobby” with no reference to his surname in the whole document? Sure we all know who they are referring to but in formal documents I thought full names or titles would be standard.
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It is a little odd. But Im assuming that since this is directed at shareholders primarily that would explain the familiarity a bit.
This kind of questionnaire is one part of the proxy (a very informative document meant to inform shareholders about the deal so that they can vote on approval) where “Bobby” would be defined near the top, but it is super weird to define a person’s name ever. It might be more common for massive companies like this where the CEO’s view is much more important.
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Ah got it - thanks for clarifying. That makes sense.
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This Quote For example, Alex Harman, a competition policy advocate for Public Citizen, stated:
Once again, Microsoft, one of the biggest of the Big Tech companies, is shamelessly gobbling up a competitor to try to strengthen its market position. No way should the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice permit this merger to proceed.
How is activision a competitor ?
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Just stupidity.