Microsoft wins FTC fight to buy Activision Blizzard
https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/11/23779039/microsoft-activision-blizzard-ftc-trial-win
From the article, quoting Judge Corley:
… the Court finds the FTC has not shown a likelihood it will prevail on its claim this particular vertical merger in this specific industry may substantially lessen competition. To the contrary, the record evidence points to more consumer access to Call of Duty and other Activision content. The motion for a preliminary injunction is therefore DENIED.
It’s less the focus on consolidation and more getting out the very problematic leadership from Activision (Bobby and his crew). Not that Microsoft is a bastion of progressive thought or leadership, but it’s suspected they would be much less likely to have covered up things like the Cosby room, suicide due to harassment, or the theft of breast milk. Activision’s leadership has some deep seated problems with sexism in general.
Yeah this is how I feel. I don’t think that stopping this merger is going to make triple a games a much less hyper-capitalistic hellscape but I feel like forcing a change of hands might mean better conditions for the abk devs, because from what I’ve heard from friends that have worked at Microsoft’s studios they’ve got a decent track record for employee care. Nothing remarkable, mind, but if it gets the devs away from toxic hypermasculine leadership and also gives them more security to make better games, I’m willing to nod the merger along. ABK’s games have long had a human cost that I’m not super keen to see them continue to pay yknow
is there any indication that microsoft intends to clean house?
Like @Lockely@pawb.social mentions, they did intend to clean house by dropping the board with a buyout.
I, personally, am not too bothered by the consolidation of game studios. There are plenty of AAA game developers and indie devs are filling other niches (and sometimes become AAA themselves). It’s a different industry from something like making cars with high production costs and huge barriers to entry.
A ton of the shit comes straight from the board of directors, who will no longer have a board because MS is absorbing and buying out all shareholders.
We know Bobby is leaving for a fact as well, as he has a buyout clause in his contract.
Short term, this is excision of a cancer from the industry. Long term this kind of consolidation is bad for competition. I’ll be happy when MS gets inevitably trust busted.
I think that’s a fair perspective. The leadership there is very problematic and I would be glad to see them gone. I just hope the industry doesn’t continue down this path