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)

[Dreakon13]

I get the sense that some people here have never worked with, even in smaller companies, more eccentric CEO's and owners.  You don't really get to that level without being at least a little ambitious to a fault in some way shape or form.  And especially in emails to their subordinates, glorifying their place in the race... why wouldn't they?  What do you expect them to say to eachother, "hey look, I know we kinda suck, but keep working hard anyways and maybe we'll suck less someday".

 

That's why I can't really nitpick or criticize this as much as some people are.  This kind of stuff is way more common than you realize.

Edited September 20, 2023 by Dreakon13

[The Alchemist]

32 minutes ago, Dreakon13 said:

That's why I can't really nitpick or criticize this as much as some people are.  This kind of stuff is way more common than you realize.

 

I kind of agree with you in part, and I do believe these kind of discussions take place far more frequently than some people may think. However, the key difference here is that it's Microsoft saying these things, and we've seen their ambition in the past couple of years and how far they're seemingly willing to go to consolidate the entire industry with the end goal being to monopolize it in some form or another. That's what people are having an issue with in this instance. These aren't just some random musings by Spencer and Co. There is real intent behind the talk, not to mention the financial ability to carry it out at a moment's notice should the opportunity arise. Other companies may have similar discussions as well, but other companies aren't actively trying to destroy the industry in the way Microsoft is.

 

----------

 

I've seen some 'industry' people and other people in the wider gaming sphere on Twitter and the like talking it down as if it's a nothing-burger, whilst also failing to even mention half of the more egregious tidbits found in the leak, which is just wild to me. I find it very suspicious that so many people online were instantly jumping in to downplay the whole situation when we know that Microsoft can - and almost certainly will - try to do exactly what they were discussing at some point in the near future.

 

Microsoft is the single biggest threat facing the entire industry. I've been saying it for ages now and I'm certainly not alone in that thinking. The biggest mistake was them ever entering the industry to begin with. A horrible, cancerous tumour of a company with not a single creative bone in their body. Just completely tasteless, even when compared to the average mega corp. It's frightening to think what the gaming landscape might look like 10 years from now, but if it plays out the way Microsoft wants it to then I can guarantee I won't have any part in it. My decision to not buy an Xbox is continuously justified by Microsoft's sheer incompetence and insidious intentions. 

 

[Dreakon13]

9 minutes ago, The Alchemist said:

 

Microsoft is the single biggest threat facing the entire industry. I've been saying it for ages now and I'm certainly not alone in that thinking. The biggest mistake was them ever entering the industry to begin with. A horrible, cancerous tumour of a company with not a single creative bone in their body. Just completely tasteless, even when compared to the average mega corp. It's frightening to think what the gaming landscape might look like 10 years from now, but if it plays out the way Microsoft wants it to then I can guarantee I won't have any part in it. My decision to not buy an Xbox is continuously justified by Microsoft's sheer incompetence and insidious intentions. 

 

 

Even if you're not wrong about any of this, though it comes across incredibly biased... if Microsoft were able to simply buy the industry it probably would've happened already.  They've been in it since 2002.  They've been more aggressive lately but at best they're dragging to the finish line with Activision Blizzard in spite of a lot of legal challenges and damaging scrutiny.  They aren't buying Nintendo or Valve.  I don't think you have so much to fear really but everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

Edited September 20, 2023 by Dreakon13

[Ashande]

3 hours ago, Dreakon13 said:

 

Even if you're not wrong about any of this, though it comes across incredibly biased... if Microsoft were able to simply buy the industry it probably would've happened already.  They've been in it since 2002.  They've been more aggressive lately but at best they're dragging to the finish line with Activision Blizzard in spite of a lot of legal challenges and damaging scrutiny.  They aren't buying Nintendo or Valve.  I don't think you have so much to fear really but everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

 

What is biased about witnessing behavior over five decades and assuming that behavior will continue, especially when between current behavior and leaked info, all signs point to that being the goal?

 

So far as what would or would not have happened already… do you not see the power creep? Start off with Rare. Just a little trifle. No big deal except to people who were soiling themselves for a new Banjo or Donkey Kong Country. Then we move on to Mojang. Sure, it’s a little bigger, sure it’s a little pricier, but it’s not like they’re buying a big publisher or anything. Oh, what’s that? ZeniMax? Well, that’s pretty big, I guess, but it’s not like, a major player or a central pillar to third parties or any… wait, they’re trying for Activison, now?

 

With a little cooldown in between, a lot of smiles and fake promises, giving it just enough time for folks to forget they claimed the last thing was “never gonna happen,” Microsoft has continued to escalate, all while giving the “let us compete” and “we’re so innocent, and we’re in third place and just want a chance, uWu” lines. Just because they’re playing the long game instead of just storming the castle immediately does not mean they are not playing the game. They have their playbook (“Embrace, Expand, Exterminate”) leaked for the world to see, still stick to that playbook, and nobody raises an eyebrow. As soon as they get their way, they ignore any of the strictures placed on them by whatever authority allowed them to get their way and do whatever they want anyway, all the while smiling, telling obvious lies and getting nothing but slaps on the wrist for it.

 

Are they going to buy Nintendo or Valve? Probably not… but it’s not completely outside the realm of possibility, either. A couple more acquisitions - which they claim to still be pursuing - a little more opinion shifting, a little more rule changing (things which Microsoft has been doing for decades), and who knows what could happen. Complete assimilation appears to be their goal, and their history (and recent emails) show they have no interest in getting there (or even getting close to it) by trying to compete legitimately with actual innovation or hard work, much preferring to just swallow who they can and bully out who they can’t.

Edited September 20, 2023 by Ashande
Spelling

[Rozalia1]

18 hours ago, ZenaxPure said:

Oh I am aware, I just don't agree with him lol. 

 

To be fair, it is something beyond Spencer that one. Xbox right from the start was all about gaining a monopoly. They wanted 1 billion sales of the Xbox One. The current games division is all about getting 3 billion gamers. When the Xbox One failed it got on the chopping block as the new boss, Nadella, saw hardware as not worth keeping around because even if they make money, they don't make enough money compared to services for Microsoft. Spencer apparently was able to convince him to not scrap the gaming division, likely by selling him this dream that Microsoft in the future if they stick with it can get a monopoly where they eventually have hundreds of millions if not billions on their subscription service.

 

With subscriptions in general having trouble and Game Pass hitting a wall, when they literally need to be adding the numbers they already have every year going forward towards 2027... eventually Microsoft will have to have accept that this grand dream isn't happening, and once that happens than that is it for Xbox. Many have said that it'll just mean Xbox going third party... but by going by what Spencer said, it won't be that and they'll instead sell their gaming business entirely. Microsoft does not care to be making what is small change to them off games. They want to be making big money. Game studios unless they get a massive major hit aren't big money so they'll be cut.

 

7 hours ago, Dreakon13 said:

I get the sense that some people here have never worked with, even in smaller companies, more eccentric CEO's and owners.  You don't really get to that level without being at least a little ambitious to a fault in some way shape or form.  And especially in emails to their subordinates, glorifying their place in the race... why wouldn't they?  What do you expect them to say to eachother, "hey look, I know we kinda suck, but keep working hard anyways and maybe we'll suck less someday".

 

That's why I can't really nitpick or criticize this as much as some people are.  This kind of stuff is way more common than you realize.

 

Not referring to you, but I've found it funny how the defences of Microsoft have gone from 'believe them in all these documents as they're telling the truth, they really are that weak compared to Sony' to 'everything they say is obviously lies to get past the regulators'. 

 

On to your actual post. I've seen this angle coming up as it is the main defence. That Spencer is just trying to bring this guy down gently, and the actual message is 'this ain't happening'. There is one glaring problem with that angle however.

 

Quote

But our BoD has seen the full writeup on Nintendo (and Valve) and they are fully supportive on either if the opportunity arises as am I.

 

So no. This isn't some idea floated towards Spencer and he just said it'd be great, but it was just a fantasy. Spencer's team has already put forward buying Nintendo/Valve to the Board and already has their approval to buyout the companies the moment they become willing to sell.

 

6 hours ago, Dreakon13 said:

Even if you're not wrong about any of this, though it comes across incredibly biased... if Microsoft were able to simply buy the industry it probably would've happened already.  They've been in it since 2002.  They've been more aggressive lately but at best they're dragging to the finish line with Activision Blizzard in spite of a lot of legal challenges and damaging scrutiny.  They aren't buying Nintendo or Valve.  I don't think you have so much to fear really but everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Microsoft_Corp.

 

There is your reason. Microsoft didn't enter gaming and instantly do what they're doing now because they still had a massive amount of heat due to their previous monopoly efforts that almost got them broken up (should have been).

 

Microsoft since almost getting broken up has invested a large amount into making sure they don't get that sort of trouble again. Not by changing their behaviour of course, but by being more corrupt. Brad Smith who we've seen during this ABK deal being the main man credited for Microsoft's movements. Microsoft has many in American politics in their pocket, puppets who'll fight for Microsoft's interests (elsewhere in the world Microsoft has actually straight up been charged for bribing politicians). Using these puppets Microsoft has been able to get bills targeted at 'Big Tech' edited so they still target others (Apple/Google/so forth) but don't harm Microsoft. This corruption allowed them to successfully market themselves as the 'good guys' of Tech, and even many PC users/gamers were fooled with their act and started thinking that Microsoft had changed. This is why they PR and astroturf to such massive degrees, because their reputation as a 'good guy' is so important to them as it allows them to do their monopoly plays.

 

In conclusion. The reason they're doing these plays now is because Microsoft felt secure enough in their own reputation and corruption to do whatever they want. The reason they already have Nintendo/Valve approved for purchase is because Microsoft believes that even buying other platforms is possible and that regulators will just okay it. Them running into so much trouble with ABK has been a shock, hence why Brad Smith lost his mind that one time because he couldn't believe what was happening. Ultimately Microsoft may well get ABK, their corruption winning out in the end, but all of this has certainly scared them I would think. Microsoft's PR and astroturfing has tried to hold it back, but Microsoft's reputation has taken a hit. Regulators/non captured politicians are seeing their good guy reputation for the scam it is. Other Big Tech companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, have realised that Microsoft has been waging a war on them for ages. Most importantly, many people who were giving Microsoft a chance have realised that Microsoft is still the vile tasteless company they have always been.

 

Ultimately Microsoft if they get ABK may well stop at ABK and not go for other big publishers yes. The problem is, like with before, Microsoft as an entity is wholly dedicated to buying everyone out and establishing a monopoly. They are tasteless as Steve Jobs famously said. So the moment that Microsoft starts feeling confident they can do their monopoly plays again, off they'll go. As such, the best thing for everyone is if Microsoft is beaten back now to the point they leave gaming. As long as Microsoft is within gaming they will always seek out a monopoly. They had their first chance to show they could behave when they entered console gaming. They had their second chance after the Xbox One mess. They should not get a third chance after this. 

---

 

I've added images relating to XCloud funding being reduced to 0.

 

Spoiler

 

Not surprising considering what we've been hearing from users of XCloud. What is puzzling is how we now know that Microsoft needs massive growth on PC/Mobile, and yet they're actually cutting money going towards growing those sections. They must believe that these massive buyouts are the only way and they've completely given up on doing a good enough job on their own to grow their business naturally. The usual story with Microsoft.

Edited September 20, 2023 by Rozalia1

[SelectiveGamer]

20 hours ago, MidnightDragon said:

Didn't see if anyone mentioned this, but Phil pulled what they did when their plans for Sony were revealed: It's old and things have changed. 

 

https://www.purexbox.com/news/2023/09/phil-spencer-issues-statement-in-response-to-massive-xbox-leak

 

If you believe that, have an igloo in Death Valley for sale. 

 

Xbox to staff:

 

"Our evil mastermind monopolistic plans just leaked but don't worry because we have a blind fanbase that will defend us no matter what we do so we will and already have put out another 'sweep-under-the-rug' tweet claiming that it was 'years ago' and that our 'plans changed' while we continue our real plans of throwing money at all of our problems to win like we're Vince McMahon"

 

okay now your not getting anything else out of me for this thread

[Rozalia1]

@MidnightDragon posted it and I forgot to respond. Here is the tweet so you don't have to go to an Xbox site (you can't trust those to not be an astroturfed thing).

 

It would be funny if this landed them in trouble itself. It likely won't as they'll just tell regulators that they're just lying to people obviously.

 

So all of this is old/fake plans and they have actual 'real' plans. So they're saying that when regulators asked them for documents about their plans going forward they gave them old/fake plans? That doesn't seem correct to me and should come with obvious consequences.

 

Still, things are in their favour when it comes to this angle. No news has been out there about them starting production on the Xtube for example. If they change the planned casing then their agents can point to that as evidence that the Xtube, and by extension everything else was old/fake plans. When it comes to the Spencer comments though? I will point to his mention of 'playing the long game'. What he is saying being from 2020 means nothing when out of his own chicken lips they're doing things long term.

 

 

[mrmivo]

Lots of interesting stuff. Those GamePass figures and notes were insightful.

 

I actually think the improved controller looks promising and I may grab one for using it on my PC. Xbox controllers are just better supported by PC games when it comes to showing the correct symbols in UIs. I also like the replaceable battery approach and have long wished Sony went this route also since it's more environment-friendly (though I really like the DualSense). 

[Dreakon13]

Eh, I'm not really going to try and dissect two essays in response to me.  That being said, you guys are almost so excited about Microsoft buying the landscape that I'm thinking you actually want it to happen.  Sort of a nervous excitement between your apparently decades old opinions of Microsoft might finally be validated and wanting to watch the world burn.

 

Edited September 21, 2023 by Dreakon13

[Zephrese]

22 minutes ago, Dreakon13 said:

Eh, I'm not really going to try and dissect two essays in response to me.  That being said, you guys are almost so excited about Microsoft buying the landscape that I'm thinking you actually want it to happen.  Sort of a nervous excitement between your apparently decades old opinions of Microsoft might finally be validated and wanting to watch the world burn.

 

"I'm not even going to bother to try intelligently responding to posts that appropriately called me out on my BS, so let me instead try and twist people's words and legitimate concerns pertaining to a multi-billion dollar, corrupt corporation by spinning it into some reverse psychology, mental gymnastics garbage to make it look like I have a point when I never had one to begin with and was just playing devil's advocate for literally no fucking reason, again, for a multi-billion dollar corporation that's still to this day doing shit they've been caught doing and gotten into trouble for in the past".

 

That about sum it up for you, eh?

Edited September 21, 2023 by Zephrese

[Dreakon13]

1 minute ago, Zephrese said:

 

"I'm not going to bother trying to intelligently responding to post that called me out on my BS, so let me try and twist people's words to make it look like I have a point when I never had on to begin with and was just playing devil's advocate for literally no fucking reason".

 

K

 

My point has always been that Microsoft isn't going to buy Nintendo.  People keep quoting me with essays about why Microsoft is evil.  I dunno what you want from me exactly.

[Zephrese]

1 hour ago, Dreakon13 said:

 

My point has always been that Microsoft isn't going to buy Nintendo.  People keep quoting me with essays about why Microsoft is evil.  I dunno what you want from me exactly.

 

I don't think anyone here legitimately thinks that Microsoft will successfully buy Nintendo, but that was never the point either.

 

I specifically want you to stop being deliberately obtuse and stop trying so hard to push a point that doesn't exist and misses the point of what people are concerned about completely, but we both know you aren't going to otherwise you would've kept that moronic BS to yourself to begin with. lol

Edited September 21, 2023 by Zephrese

[Dreakon13]

Just now, Zephrese said:

 

I don't think anyone here legitimately thinks that Microsoft will successfully buy Nintendo, but that was never the point either.

 

I specifically want you to stop being deliberately obtuse and stop trying so hard to push a point that doesn't exist, but we both know you aren't going to otherwise you would've kept that BS to yourself to begin with. lol

 

Why don't you go find something better to do than butt into a conversation that didn't involve you.

 

Let the people I'm quoting or referencing worry about how obtuse I'm being.

[Zephrese]

1 hour ago, Dreakon13 said:

 

Why don't you go find something better to do than butt into a conversation that didn't involve you.

 

Let the people I'm quoting or referencing worry about how obtuse I'm being.

 

So, again, you're avoiding the matter by deflecting and not actually trying to say anything intelligent that adds anything meaningful to the conversation, proving my point that you're being deliberately and purposefully obtuse in the process.

 

Also, it's a public thread in a public forum, I (and anyone else, for that matter) can "butt into" the conversation as much as I damn well please. lmao Take it into the DMs with those people if you don't want other people adding in their two cents.

Edited September 21, 2023 by Zephrese

[Dreakon13]

Just now, Zephrese said:

 

So, again, you're avoiding the matter by deflecting and not actually trying to say anything intelligent that adds anything meaningful to the conversation, proving my point that you're being deliberately and purposefully obtuse in the process.

 

Also, it's a public thread in a public forum, I (and anyone else, for that matter) can "butt into" the conversation as much as I damn well please. lmao

 

None of this is adding anything meaningful to the conversation.

 

And it's a public thread on a public forum, I'll be as obtuse as I want.

[Zephrese]

Just now, Dreakon13 said:

And it's a public thread on a public forum, I'll be as obtuse as I want.

 

Thank you for being honest about it so that other people know not to engage with you or take you seriously going forward. Good day.

[Dreakon13]

Took the long way around to get that win.  But if you're going to shut up now, I guess we both walk away happy.

 

EDIT: I still don't think Microsoft is going to buy Nintendo.  I don't have nearly the 20 years of evidence these other folks have, which sounds like it basically guarantees its going to happen... but I'm confident in my stance.  You don't have to take my opinion to heart, as I have been proven at some points in the past to be obtuse and thusly discredited in all points in the future... so I certainly wouldn't blame you.

 

Edited September 21, 2023 by Dreakon13

[Zephrese]

1 hour ago, Dreakon13 said:

Took the long way around to get that win.  But if you're going to shut up now, I guess we both walk away happy.

 

I still don't think Microsoft is going to buy Nintendo.

 

Wasn't about winning, just wanted to see if my observation was correct and it was. Hopefully other people will see these posts of yours and know better than to waste their breath with you when you clearly put in the minimal effort to do the same.

 

Repeating ourselves like a parrot, are we? It's already been pointed out by more than one person that not only was that not the point, but also that mostly everyone here doesn't think they will buy Nintendo either. Makes me further question what's with the devil's advocate act, followed by the broken record performance when the former trick doesn't work on its own. 🤔

Edited September 21, 2023 by Zephrese

[Dreakon13]

So it didn't shut you up. 

 

I mean, I guess the only way to end this is to just walk away but I'm usually too stubborn.  Really I took kinda the lazy route, instead of taking two separate essays and piecing out what I agree and disagree with, which probably would've led to two additional essays in response to the essay I would've had to write, which would've led to more essays... it would've just taken a very long time... I tried to summarize my exasperation perhaps a bit too obtusely.  Would you like me to apologize?  I can't guarantee it won't happen again... but I guess you've exposed me, which seems like some sort of public service.  If too many people write essays in response to me, I may respond in a less than desirable way.  Keep that in mind folks, it'll save us all some time.

 

My point was basically that while people may not feel Microsoft is definitely going to buy Nintendo (my passive aggressive sarcasm in previous posts aside), they are indeed saying that it could happen.  They've said that many times.  Even looking past the fact I disagree with that idea on a personal level... their evidence is apparently Microsoft likes to buy things, a long standing personal grudge against Microsoft, and a single leaked email where someone suggested it.  As far as proof of anything indicating that it could happen, it still seems farfetched at best.  I've just been expressing my thoughts on that in a number of ways.

Edited September 21, 2023 by Dreakon13

[Xillynoc]

It's insane to me that ANYONE can defend the notion of Microsoft buying out fucking Nintendo, a third of the entire gaming industry who have far and away the strongest first-party title performance. That's as monopolistic as it gets! There's not a single way that could EVER be legal or fair!

[ABluntBurntToast]

Wow, these leaks are legit my worst gaming nightmares. Everything going digital that threatens the preservation of the past, and the desire from MS to form monopolies that threatens the future. I can only hope that there is sufficient backlash (and perhaps legal actions) that prevents this MS dominance from materializing. I think these leaks might make others think twice about the "benefits" of MS buying-up the market, but who knows... I'll never personally support MS after all this stuff, that's for sure.

[Dreakon13]

I still believe people here are fascinated by Microsoft and embellishing these leaks in a way that indicates a certain unhealthy interest in it actually happening.

[Ashande]

7 minutes ago, Dreakon13 said:

I still believe people here are fascinated by Microsoft and embellishing these leaks in a way that indicates a certain unhealthy interest in it actually happening.

 

You are free to believe as you like, including that reading/responding to “essays” is a waste of time, that some folks are “excited” to “see the world burn,” or that commenting on a public forum constitutes “butting in.” Others are likewise free to disagree with you. Throwing shade and being passive aggressive isn’t going to make you any friends or convince them of your point of view.

 

Keeping an eye on worrisome things in an industry that, one assumes, we all care about (and if we don’t, why are we here?) or how certain groups seem dead set on pushing themselves to the top at the possible/probable expense of the hobby itself while still giving everyone the “we’re the good guys!” routine that it seems some people still fully believe is not an “unhealthy interest.” When that actor has been caught lying, breaking the rules, spouting contradictory statements over and over again and folks respond with “meh,” “everybody does it,” or “oh, that’s not happening (no matter how many times that pattern has been repeated and the pooh-poohed thing ended up happening after all),” it grows a little tiresome.

 

Now, I know it was at the bottom of an “essay,” so maybe you didn’t see it, but I also said I think it’s unlikely Microsoft will acquire Nintendo or Valve… I just don’t think it’s outside of the realm of possibility, or that it means they won’t do something else similarly ostentatious and damaging to the industry, or that folks should just shrug, say “nah, don’t believe it” and turn a blind eye to whatever happens after that. If that’s what you wish to do, so be it. Guess we’ll see in the end.

[Zephrese]

5 hours ago, Dreakon13 said:

So it didn't shut you up. 

 

Why would it? lol

Edited September 21, 2023 by Zephrese

[Niilismo]

1 hour ago, Zephrese said:

multi-billion dollar, corrupt corporation

 

Correction: multi-trillion dollar, corrupt corporation. It's absurd that Microsoft (and Alphabet, and many other gigantic megacorps) hasn't been broken up yet.