Xbox Leaks (Microsoft aims to buy Nintendo & Valve, Game Pass needs 100 million by 2027/30 or Microsoft will exit Gaming, Seemingly came close to buying Sega)

Rozalia1 · September 19, 2023

---Images are in the quotes--- (should have been spoilers, but it'd be a lot of images to fix... might be better?)

The leaks occurred due to the new effort by the FTC on the ABK deal. Microsoft was to blame for the error.

Also keep in mind that this post has been added to and expanded several times.

Acquisitions

The sheer arrogance/delusion of Spencer to say that it is taking Nintendo a long time to realise their future is on Xbox is otherworldly. We don't get to see what he is responding to, but the implication to me seems to be that Microsoft doesn't see the regulators as a problem when it comes to buying out not just Nintendo, but Valve too. Two major platforms. Granted, this was before all the shocks they've taken lately with ABK (which they seem to have turned around, but we'll see), but they seem to have believed that their political corruption was so strong they could do whatever they want. The only wrinkle in all of this being that unfortunately for Microsoft neither Nintendo or Valve want to sell, but the moment they do then the buyout is already approved by Microsoft's management. Warner Bros. Games is also mentioned which was a rumour, which possibly might still happen, but considering Microsoft's value of IP over cogs developers (unlike Sony/Nintendo) that seems unlikely due to them not being able to also get the IPs.

Also, just in case anyone tries it. No, 'obviously companies talk about buying others, so why the big deal', is not a valid response. Other companies in gaming aren't fantasying about buying out several platforms casually like that. They're generally focused on you know, putting out good games, an alien thought for Xbox I know. Just look at Spencer's talk there about buying Nintendo 'being a career moment'. Not putting out the highest rated game. Not putting out a massive seller. Not putting out an incredibly creative game. Not putting out a game that takes hold in the mainstream in a big way. Not having a happy workforce that loves their company. Nah, buying the biggest possible company is what a career moment is down at Xbox. Note also 'we are playing the long game'. That is what all this 'good guy Microsoft' astroturfing that they do in gaming and elsewhere is all about. Moment they feel secure they'll reveal their true colours.

Something sinister also is this talk of Spencer's buddy buying that Nintendo stock. Seems that person is a Microsoft agent who is there to 'create opportunities' for Microsoft. Thankfully Nintendo now knows to ignore and any all talk from that guy. He would no doubt assist in hostile takeover attempts too, though Spencer puts cold water on that at least for now. Even for Microsoft that would be very foolish as it'd be unavoidable horrible PR and Japan will undoubtedly step in and stop any such attempt, no matter how many US congressmen Microsoft has in their pocket.

Xbox's deadline with Game Pass

Wow. If they're at 25 million then in essentially 3 years, as we're largely through the year already, they'll need to gain 25 million subscribers every year. Even if the full timeline is given of 2030, that is still a massive ask. You can see why they want Call of Duty. Why they want Nintendo. Why they want Valve. Those sort of massive additions are the only real hope they appear to have to reach these massive numbers.

Though one thing that will certainly help, if it is counted and I'm sure it will be, is the changing of Gold into Core. That will spike the numbers as those suddenly become 'Game Pass'. The problem of course is that those numbers weren't growing either.

Buying Sega

You know, for years now Microsoft's agents have been talking about Microsoft buying Sega and how well they 'go together'. Clearly purposely to prime gamers for a buyout, so when it occurs there isn't outrage and instead people see it as a 'natural' thing to have occurred. Since these emails both Microsoft and Sega have done things that lend well to Microsoft buying them out so possibly we're going to hear news of this at some point next year... I certainly hope not, but it doesn't look great.

~~Victim List~~ Target Lis

I believe this may have been leaked previously, or at least a redacted version, but worth seeing again. An interesting detail with this list is that Nintendo is not listed, but Valve is. This deal would imply that management sees Nintendo as being unwilling to ever sell (though if that changes then the buyout is already approved), but see Valve differently. Gabe Newell worked at Microsoft for 10 years and has always been friendly to Microsoft and often negative against the other console platforms. Before/as they launched he publicly backed Microsoft's Series S|X as being superior to PlayStation 5. Newell is considered to be someone who puts principle over money... but he is still a western business owner where that is much rarer, and so is hard to trust he can hold his ground if Microsoft actually makes of an offer of 35+ billion. At the same time Microsoft might not be putting an offer as they are unsure how Newell might react, possibly negatively to the point that he makes the matter public and admonishes them, which considering how many devoted fans Steam has would be catastrophic for Microsoft. As such Microsoft likely sees it as something to wait on, for Newell to die, so they can then make whoever is left in charge at Valve a massive offer. Something to also note is how Microsoft, of all companies, refers to Valve as stale, but still wants them which obviously shows they're simply after the platform and capturing the PC market.

Microsoft made Yakuza 7 Next Gen Timed Exclusive

Good to have confirmation. For those unaware Yakuza 7 released exclusively next gen on Xbox, but didn't on PlayStation. This was a very odd move as the base for the game is largely on PlayStation and PlayStation, unlike the Serie S|X is not known to have issues when it comes to putting out games. Especially in a case like this when the makers have been putting out PlayStation exclusives for ages.

Microsoft's agents went to work. 'Why would Microsoft pay to have such a short term exclusive?' was the main thrust, but there were others. Keep in mind that for the last number of years Microsoft has been attempting to astroturf a narrative that Microsoft doesn't pay for exclusives, only evil big bad Sony does. Admitting that you pettily did such a short term exclusive on next gen would heavily damage their gaslighting attempt, so we got astroturfed on the matter.

For those unaware and wondering why the word 'astroturfing', 'agents', and so forth come up so often. Microsoft is a company known to astroturf heavily. You'll see it on social media with accounts who'll at times post stuff that may as well be advertisements, but you can see it on forums too. There is a certain infamous forum which is infested with Microsoft astroturfers and they appear to have even wormed a few into the moderation. Microsoft's policy is to have 'evangelists' for their products, ideally people doing it of their own free will, but if that isn't happening then they'll just manufacture them. Microsoft more than even their haters know that their products are putrid and can't stand on their own, so they have to play dirty.

Side note. Spencer stating that he loves talk of Xbox launching as a Sega console in Japan is hilariously pathetic. Imagine being happy about the idea of your brand being so terrible that you have to dress up in the corpse of a previous console maker to look better.

Capcom

Capcom have responded to talk of Microsoft buying them out: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2023-09-25/capcom-targets-smartphone-gamers

Capcom while on the market is considered to be owned by the Tsujimoto family who are involved in the running of Capcom, and do not want to sell the company. Many in the west have remarked that 'money talks' and a large enough offer would change that, but that is western culture speaking. It might be hard to grasp but there are people, especially in a place like Japan (happens in the west too) who view principle/legacy/honour as more important than money. Others have stated that even if the family can't be bought off, then Microsoft can just hostile takeover which... no. To begin with that would completely destroy Microsoft's PR efforts and would likely cause an active campaign to completely remove Microsoft from gaming. Secondly, especially with this being Japan, you would see an exodus of talent at Capcom who'd refuse to work for Microsoft. The valuable IPs that Capcom has would also become instantly worthless due to fan backlash.

None of this is even mentioning the government, who'll know that letting Microsoft get a company like Capcom is essentially giving Microsoft permission to buy every single other notable game maker bar Sony/Nintendo out afterwards.

Best IP Holder and Killing Stadia

Wow. He actually appears to be at the point that he actually believes his own lies. We've heard this talk of Google/Amazon being the 'real competition' before, but this is some aggressive talk. Bragging about destroying Stadia with the ZeniMax buyout also, something which they had their astroturfing agents all covering up. For those unaware Google got involved in the ABK case and made this claim. Microsoft's agents were all out there saying that Google was just incompetent, that Microsoft had nothing to do with it, so forth. Here we have the head of Xbox straight up boasting about their buyout killing a competing platform.

Day 1 cost estimation

Keep in mind that the above is estimations from Microsoft. These deals weren't ultimately done day 1, with them coming later (cheaper). Baldur's Gate is interesting because if they hadn't had the whole Series S issue they may well have been able to get the game Day 1 on gamepass for 5 million. Now? The price has gone up significantly. Speaking of prices going up, this information being out there is a disaster for Microsoft. Ubisoft for example can now see that what they likely believed to be a good amount, pales in comparison to what EA gets. Gamepass is already very likely a money pit, and it'll only become a bigger one as everyone will now start asking for more money.

Gamepass Growth

Keep in mind that this is a year old, but it still states that Xbox had 8-9 months of zero growth when it comes to Gamepass, which includes PC which they're supposed to have 'massive growth in'. Recently a LinkedIn (Microsoft bought out company) page from a Microsoft employee become a story as they claimed 30 million people on Gamepass, and then was edited down to 25 million. Possibly the truth? Sure. Possibly this worker putting down a wrong figure and then changing it when Microsoft told them to change it? Sure. Microsoft running an astroturfing op to give their agents something to use? Certainly also possible as Microsoft is the leader when it comes to astroturfing. This really hampers that though which is nice, means less annoying dialogue from Xbox fans real or otherwise.

XCloud funding reduced to 0

From what has been heard from users of XCloud, this shouldn't be a shock. What is all very strange, is that like with the infamously terrible PC store, they need these things to be good... and yet they invest so little into them.

Xbox Series X Revision (S|X will be discontinued)

The Xtube is a revision, a 'Slim' if you will, and not a 'Pro'. Considering the timeframes and the rumours, Microsoft's plan is to launch a slim at the same price as the PS5 Pro. Another genius idea from the brain trust at Xbox no doubt. Obviously the name is not Xtube and that is me just having fun. Fitting though you have to say, and likely will end up being a better name than whatever they go with anyway.

Xbox Series S|X are going to be discontinued (S should still be supported in regards to games), but with the Xtube being digital only it'll mean that Microsoft will be phasing out discs entirely. Remember that stuff about them being for preserving games and all that? As expected it was just a PR thing and it is thrown away the moment it has been used for that purpose. Keep in mind, companies throwing away such PR things is nothing new. They just usually do it once they're back on top. Xbox with their innovations is doing it when their business is doing even worse.

Xbox Controller. Will have haptics, but not on the triggers. Has a piece of hardware in it which might possibly mean the Xbox controller will finally have Gyro... but it might also be a basic piece just to support stuff like 'lift to awake'. Would be baffling how they have the chance to put out a controller that at least equals the DuelSense in features and they just don't... but this is Microsoft.

Next Gen Cloud Hybrid Console

The Arm architecture for those unaware is different to the ones the current consoles (and most PCs) use. It is considered more powerful and also importantly, more power efficient which is important when you have bodies like the EU putting into law that devices can only use so much energy. The swap has been talked about as inevitable so their next console being it would be no surprise (next PlayStation will likely be it too), but it does mean that the next generation could have quite the chaos to it. Possibly PS5 games won't be playable on PS6, that sort of thing, or they might play but could have technical issues. PC gaming will be affected too.

As for the Cloud part of the hybrid. Essentially, 'The Power of the Cloud' will be making a return. They promised it with the Xbox One... but they were lying... but they'll be doing it this time for real, honest. The way I understand it you'll have your console and some games will connect to their Cloud and increase the performance of the game/do certain features. Of course, considering that this could be an effort to do 'always online', it could also be that you wouldn't be able to play games of that generation without being connected to their cloud.

Something to keep in mind in all this though is that the whole S|X thing (they class One and One X as being the same by the way)? Microsoft will be continuing it, so there will be two versions of this console. Series S has been a mess, but that is seemingly irrelevant. - https://www.axios.com/2023/09/18/next-xbox-2028-microsoft

Very interesting that Microsoft is putting together AI Game Testing. For those unaware, one of Microsoft's PR pieces is that they are 'open to unions', as QA people have been getting into unions. All along they've been putting together something which if successful allows them to just fire all those people as their job will no longer be needed. How sneaky. Sad as it is, they'll be getting what they deserve. Many have told them how foolish it is to trust Microsoft of all companies.

---

Closing

I've posted a lot of stuff above to provide more information as there is a lot of thing that have come out. My thoughts are provided, but if you feel differently then cool. The images are provided to allow you to make up your own mind. The main story to me is the whole buying Nintendo/Valve thing which is a step even further than ABK, who are small potatoes by comparison. I see a company who historically and currently cannot do good work and rather than improve they intend to just throw their money from their monopolies around. If this money was thrown around to create new studios and build a massive empire that way? Then I'd still not like it, but I wouldn't feel so strongly about it as at the very least they would be adding to gaming in some way. Just tastelessly buying out anyone and everyone? That should be rejected in the strongest way. There is no gain for gamers here, in fact we'll be losing as more and more companies get put in the reverse Midas grasp of Xbox.

Reminder. Microsoft has monopolies so it can be difficult with some things, but it would be good to try and cut them out whenever possible. Xbox's constant costly failures as long as they have a boss like Nadella at the top are irrelevant. Microsoft is committed if they have to spend 100 billion, 200, 300, so forth. The plan appears to be to buyout all other platforms and major publishers and then finally they will be able to 'compete' with PlayStation. Gaming in no way is worth spending this huge amount of money, but Microsoft either sees massive gains in the future... and/or have such a grudge against Sony for the constant humiliations that they will do whatever it takes to bring them down in gaming. As such the only ways for Xbox's aggressions to be halted is for either for Microsoft to get new management that deems the massive amounts being spent as wasteful, or even better Microsoft starts taking hits in their other businesses to the point that they have to retreat from spending massive sums in gaming and instead spends it elsewhere.

I will also say now, as we sometimes get some tone policers who'll throw out 'console wars' or whatever. No. Microsoft is a blight not only on gaming, but technology as a whole. Focus more on what they're doing than what I or whoever else is calling them out.

Edited September 26, 2023 by Rozalia1
Adding more content.

SpaceCoresDad · September 19, 2023

This is some deranged thinking. Buying out Nintendo? There is zero chance they will ever sell to anyone. Valve maybe, but only after Gaben's gone from it all.

Interesting that Phil uses smiley emoticons in his professional e-mails too. 🙂

DrBloodmoney · September 19, 2023

It's just taking a long time for Phil to realise his future exists in 3rd place. A long time... :-)

Gommes_ · September 19, 2023

This can't be real!

Z1MZUM · September 19, 2023

Rozalia you make me read too much and I'm lazy as

Well it's not April the 1st so this is just some really freaky stuff to read. I can't really buy it though at the same time maybe I'm too afraid to believe it?

I have doubts that Nintendo would be selling out any time soon. As for Valve? I also don't think so.

I have 12 months of Gamepass Ultimate from codes, Oddly I only use the PC version and If I like the game I buy the Steam version instead. I wonder how many others do? 25 million apparently subscribed. Why Valve? idk, this is all too unrealistic and as much as I love my XBSX I do not love the current leadership.

So,,,,,,,, if you only had one choice, it wouldn't be Jim Ryan,,,, Or as they say, Lying Ryan

MRR---OFFICIAL · September 19, 2023

Yeah, typical Microsoft ringing into a business they didn't belong in and just making it worse. I hope people wake the F up and tank them if/when this happens. Hopefully Sony also realises (Nintendo will still be on "Switch 2" or heading on to another hybrid style "Switch 3" device by then I'd imagine) that gamers DO NOT WANT THIS and make a traditional Console, no Cloud Requirement BS, Disc Drive (even if it's an extra/detachable extra 🤷‍♂️ with Physical Games still being a thing at retail etc.) when it comes to the PS6... It could/will be another "How to share your games on PS4" moment and I'm so there for it 😂

DavySuicide · September 19, 2023

Maybe a bit off topic but the worst thing for me as a collector and a gamer from the 80`s would be cloud gaming and a world with non physical releases. A huge part of my passion would go down the rabbithole with this.

And yeah i don`t think Microsoft would be able to pull this off. Nintendo is a traditional Japanese company. Worlds would collide this is so far fetched imo.

MRR---OFFICIAL · September 19, 2023

Yeah, Microsoft (assuming this is legit what they'll do for next gen) has lost me as a customer 100% and same with Sony if they do it as well.

I really doubt they'll get Nintendo or Valve, should have mentioned that but I figured we were all on Nintendo's Late '90s/Early '00s wavelength... Laughing Microsoft out of the room 🤣

majob · September 19, 2023

They're federal documents, they're real and this shouldn't come off as a surprise because when Microsoft first entered the gaming industry they tried to buy Nintendo then as well

The Alchemist · September 19, 2023

The funniest thing about all of this is some of the wording they use when talking about the Series X revision.

"The most powerful Xbox ever, now adorably all digital"

Adorably? What? Ain't nothing adorable about being locked in to an all-digital ecosystem where choice is limited, and from the sound of some of the above information, will only get increasingly limited with the next-gen Xbox.

"Beautiful and innovative new design"

It's literally a rounded Series X, which itself was just a rectangle. You changed it from a rectangle to a tube. Well fucking done Microsoft, such a beautiful and innovative design 🤣

bikeman223 · September 19, 2023

I don't know if this deserves its own topic, but there was also another FTC leak. Though we probably won't see any of these titles anyway on PS its still interesting and some of this might be outdated.

Oblivion Remaster, Fallout 3 Remaster, and More Leaked From Microsoft Document - IGN

Edited September 19, 2023 by bikeman223

Z1MZUM · September 19, 2023

Imagine if MS did buy out Nintendo? It wouldn't be the first time I wore a shirt that read "No I'm not American". In this case it would be Japan, Last time was the Middle East pre 9/11. This is true and I would again.

The most Powerful Xbox Ever! ok great but it looks like a kitchen paper roll painted black. Another AMD GPU? Hell no, we want DLSS at least.

Anyway to a regular gamer this is just disgusting, given I don't give an F about Activision this is a totally different direction. The man is delusional and probably eats paste.

Edited September 19, 2023 by Z1MZUM

iriihutoR84 · September 19, 2023

B-b-bb-b-ut Phil is our gaming bro who plays video games and wears gaming T-shirts!

I've always played Xbox, often even more than PlayStation, but I'm seriously considering moving on from the platform because I think they are harmful to the medium which is my biggest passion in life. I don't mean to imply that I support everything Sony does but at least they don't have the money to monopolize the market. I don't think Microsoft will ever be successful in buying Nintendo or Valve but it does not end there for them. The reason we aren't seeing them be more aggressive right now is because they want the Activision acquisition to go through.

majob · September 19, 2023

FTC may have lost their case but they certainly got the last laugh by making these documents public to turn public sentiment away from microsoft

Edited September 19, 2023 by majob

giantturnip · September 19, 2023

Microsoft proceeds to acquire PSNprofiles 😼

Conor · September 19, 2023

Look, Sony does dumb shit and should be held accountable but Microsoft is actively trying to destroy the industry as we know it and rebuild it in their image. I roll my eyes whenever I hear about how “pro consumer” they are. Xbox lost me in 2013 and no amount of good PR can rehabilitate them for me.

D-E-U-S-X · September 19, 2023

It's surprising that Dr. Evil is evil.

milanbarca82 · September 19, 2023

But but but Phil is a good guy, a gamer at heart, and M$ is pro consumer...😁

Breakingthegreen · September 19, 2023

I remember a while ago people said that the PS4 and Xbox one (or possibly PS3 and 360) were just becoming worse versions of PCs. But that cylinder model is literally just a PC with less abilities. It seems like the physical market is nothing but a hindrance in Microsoft's eye.

It does seem like microsoft is trying to become a Monopoly on two fronts, only one to produce most games, and only store to buy those games.

vanessaking2 · September 19, 2023

If MS really buys Nintendo it will be the end of Sony.

majob · September 19, 2023

https://rockstarintel.com/gta-v-on-game-pass-cost-in-leaked-xbox-documents/

Microsoft is paying Rockstar 15 million a month apparently. They've shelled out hundreds of millions for other games like Jedi Survivor and Mortal Kombat as well. Anyone trying to claim Gamepass is profitable is really stretching my suspension of disbeliefe with these numbers

sepheroithisgod · September 19, 2023

It's really disgusting that M$ thinks as long as they keep throwing money at the problem, eventually, they will buy out enough competition to become untouchable in the market. Considering how hard they had to push for the Activision deal, I really can't see a world where any regulation board would allow Microsoft to acquire Nintendo or Valve.

majob · September 19, 2023

I want to think this but Microsoft was just allowed to buy ABK by almost every regulator in the world right now with almost no concessions.

Just to give some context. When Disney bought Fox for 68 billion, Disney was required to divest multiple assets in order to get regulatory approval. Multiple televisions stations and other networks, ect. Almost NO regulator has made the same demands from MS despite this being a larger acquisitions with a larger impact. The CMA being the only ones to make concession demands.

Edited September 19, 2023 by majob

Gommes_ · September 19, 2023

I am aware of that. My statement was more like a disbelief kinda thing. I don't want to believe that MS is even shittier than I expected.

Infected Elite · September 19, 2023

and I couldnt care less, If Xbox bought everything or not.

I'm surprised nobody has made Nintendo an offer they can't refuse.

Doesn't matter who you are,money talks. Everybody has a price.

Edited September 19, 2023 by Infected Elite

Xbox Leaks (Microsoft aims to buy Nintendo & Valve, Game Pass needs 100 million by 2027/30 or Microsoft will exit Gaming, Seemingly came close to buying Sega)

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