Virtual Legality

Can Xbox Flip the EU on Activision? | What of Sony and PlayStation? (VL748)

Microsoft x Activision may well prove the longest playlist on this channel, as the news simply won't stop.
Now, Reuters comes out with a very insightful exclusive, claiming that Microsoft intends to short circuit the EU merger review process...by promising them most everything the tech company thinks they will want.
But will it work?
This was always going to head to concessions...in Virtual Legality.
#Microsoft #Xbox #Activision
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*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 1:05 A History of Flipping 9:08 Attempting the Biggest Flip Yet 18:27 Conclusion
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*** Discussed in this episode:
PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy_vBs7Qt9-ROfumOtIrSdP8
ARTICLES https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/21/technology/microsoft-activision-deal.html https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2022/02/09/open-app-store-principles-activision-blizzard/ https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2022/06/02/employee-organizing-engagement-labor-economy/ https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/microsoft-likely-offer-eu-concessions-soon-activision-deal-sources-2022-11-28/
LAW https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_6578 https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/mergers/procedures_en
*** "Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
*** Twitter: @hoeglaw Web: hoeglaw.com

Will the FTC Actually SUE to Block Microsoft x Activision? | A Legal Look (VL747)

Leaks at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggest that the agency is "likely" to sue over Microsoft's pending acquisition of Activision Blizzard King.
But just how likely is "likely", and what can we tell from the agency's own internal processes and legal requirements?
Legal weakness doesn't always prevent a lawsuit...in Virtual Legality.
#Microsoft #Xbox #Activision
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*** Discussed in this episode:
PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy_vBs7Qt9-ROfumOtIrSdP8
ARTICLES https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/23/exclusive-feds-likely-to-challenge-microsofts-69-billion-activision-takeover-00070787 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-25/microsoft-s-activision-deal-hangs-on-long-shot-ftc-settlement https://finance.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-activision-deal-hangs-long-234514920.html
LAW https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/18 https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/mergers/premerger-notification-merger-review-process https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/enforcers https://www.justice.gov/atr/page/file/1312416/download https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/09/administrative-law-judge-dismisses-ftcs-challenge-illuminas-proposed-acquisition-cancer-detection
CONCESSION PROCESS https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cases/2011/03/110330googlebuzzagreeorder.pdf https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/150423nomiorder.pdf https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-requires-ticketmaster-entertainment-inc-make-significant-changes-its
TWEETS https://twitter.com/michaelpachter/status/1595569641601912832
*** "Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
*** Twitter: @hoeglaw Web: hoeglaw.com

Sony to CMA: Activision MUST Remain Independent | A Legal Look (VL746 - RECORDED LIVE)

Microsoft and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) of the United Kingdom have been trading punches over Activision and everybody's (!) got questions...and answers.
But its only Sony that has gone ALL IN.
Let's go through it together...in Virtual Legality LIVE.
#Xbox #Activision #Sony
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*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction/Executive Summary 1:00:00 Theory of Harm Number 1 (Console Market) 2:10:59 Theory of Harm Number 2 (Subscriptions) 2:32:37 Theory of Harm Number 3 (Cloud Gaming) 2:41:12 Conclusion (Q+A)
*** Discussed in this episode: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63494c7de90e0731a80088e7/Issues_Statement_-_Microsoft_Activision__final.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/637cecede90e076b8043d8cd/Sony_Interactive_Entertainment.pdf
*** "Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
*** Twitter: @hoeglaw Web: hoeglaw.com

Blizzard Opts Out of China...For Now | Microsoft, Blitzchung and More (VL745)

It's been a while since we last talked about the Blitzchung-inspired "Blizzard of Backlash", but *we* haven't forgotten, and perhaps neither has Blizzard as it separates from Netease, its Chinese distributor of 14 years.
There's definitely a lot to talk about here.
We're all reasonable guys...in Virtual Legality.
#blizzard #netease #china
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*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction (Thanks, Supporters!) 01:36 Activision Press Release 07:49 Analysis 21:09 Conclusion
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*** Discussed in this episode:
PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9jfV0TCfXZGAc1KiKP9dSC
ARTICLES https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/blizzard-entertainment-and-netease-suspending-game-services https://www.gamesindustry.biz/blizzard-and-netease-end-14-year-partnership-everything-you-need-to-know https://www.reuters.com/technology/blizzard-suspend-game-services-china-netease-licence-ends-2022-11-17/ https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/05/mojang-has-finally-found-a-legal-path-to-publishing-minecraft-in-china/
BLIZZARD SITE https://www.blizzard.com/en-us/company/about
LINKED IN https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6998870020785139712/
MERGER AGREEMENT https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/718877/000110465922005154/tm223212d3_ex2-1.htm
NETEASE https://www.neteasegames.com/
*** "Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
*** Twitter: @hoeglaw Web: hoeglaw.com

10 YEARS?! | Microsoft Bids to End Call of Duty Madness w/ Sony (VL744)

Just how long should Microsoft be made to ensure that Activision's Call of Duty game franchise remains available on Sony's PlayStation system? How long could regulators ask for? And did the FTC just show its hand?
We're often hard on them, but the New York Times is doing work today...in Virtual Legality.
#Microsoft #Xbox #Activision
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*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:25 The New York Times Dives In 23:22 Ten. Years. 29:47 FTC Litigation? 35:06 Conclusion
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*** Discussed in this episode:
PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy_vBs7Qt9-ROfumOtIrSdP8
ARTICLES https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/21/technology/microsoft-activision-deal.html
FTC REVIEW https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/mergers/premerger-notification-merger-review-process
*** "Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
*** Twitter: @hoeglaw Web: hoeglaw.com

Is Twitter *REALLY* Doomed? | Elon Musk’s Hardcore Ultimatum (VL743)

Elon Musk's ownership of the Twitter social media platform has been tumultuous to say the least. But there has perhaps been no more tumultuous a period then when the Tesla/Space X head asked for employees to sign on to "hardcore" Twitter 2.0...or be shown the door.
With reports of hundreds leaving, does this spell the end for the Twitterverse? Or are reports of its death greatly exaggerated?
Let's talk about it.
You're not hardcore unless you live hardcore...in Virtual Legality.
#elonmusk #twitter #twittertakeover
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*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:19 An Ultimatum Given 07:52 An Ultimatum Rejected 20:14 Is this the End? 24:37 Freedom of Speech? 29:19 Conclusion
*** Discussed in this episode:
PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy_O52bErVCYZfVYMgVgu3nX
TWEETS
https://twitter.com/doug_p51/status/1593412853540610048 https://twitter.com/IGN/status/1593605469343555590 https://twitter.com/netflix/status/1593420772948598784 https://twitter.com/ZoeSchiffer/status/1593391604785504257 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1593453455972057090 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1593670880676020224 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1593673339826212864 ARTICLES https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/11/16/musk-twitter-email-ultimatum-termination/ https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/17/23465274/hundreds-of-twitter-employees-resign-from-elon-musk-hardcore-deadline https://www.statista.com/statistics/272140/employees-of-twitter/ https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-63675849
*** "Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
*** Twitter: @hoeglaw Web: hoeglaw.com

Bethesda Fires Back at Mick Gordon! | Doom Messaging Gets Worse (VL742)

When the Doom Eternal official soundtrack (OST) was released to near universal ridicule in 2020, id Software manager Marty Stratton took to reddit to explain how it was all the fault of composer Mick Gordon.
2.5 years later Mick Gordon joined the fight with his own tale of unpaid contracts, abuse, and mismanagement, and things are getting messy.
Now Bethesda, parent company to id (and subsidiary of Microsoft) has defending its employees...in perhaps the most hollow way possible.
Sometimes silence truly is golden...in Virtual Legality.
#doom #doometernal #ost
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*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Stratton Statement (short form) 06:31 Gordon Statement (short form) 08:18 Bethesda Statement Analysis 19:05 Conclusion
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*** Discussed in this episode:
BETHESDA STATEMENT
https://twitter.com/bethesda/status/1592971214817222656
REDDIT POST (2020) https://www.reddit.com/r/Doom/comments/gdg25y/doom_eternal_ost_open_letter/
GORDON RESPONSE (2022) https://medium.com/@mickgordon/my-full-statement-regarding-doom-eternal-5f98266b27ce
*** "Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
*** Twitter: @hoeglaw Web: hoeglaw.com

BIAS?! | ”The Commission is Working to Ensure”...that Microsoft Loses (VL741)

The Internet is full of conspiracy theories. But when European Commission regulator Ricardo Cardoso told the world what the EC was going to do in Microsoft x Activision *BEFORE* the in-depth investigation had even begun...it's difficult to frame it as simply a theory.
Optics matter...in Virtual Legality.
#Microsoft #Xbox #Activision
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*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction (Thanks LadyEmily!) 1:25 The Tweet 4:41 Optics Matter 8:45 Mueller's Report 14:56 Spokesproblem 16:30 Conclusion
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*** Discussed in this episode:
PLAYLIST https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy_vBs7Qt9-ROfumOtIrSdP8
TWEETS/TWITTER PROFILES https://twitter.com/RCardosoEU/status/1590043081495412736 https://twitter.com/RCardosoEU/status/1591513230358224896 https://twitter.com/RCardosoEU https://web.archive.org/web/20190423173136/https://twitter.com/RCardosoEU https://twitter.com/FOSSpatents ARTICLES/BLOGS https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2022/11/12/eu-regulator-under-fire-for-promising-call-of-duty-will-remain-on-his-playstation/?sh=559f82d42462 https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/11/03/judges-hugs-after-parkland-school-shooters-sentencing-become-controversial/ https://www.tweaktown.com/news/89481/european-commission-responds-to-perceived-bias-in-microsoft-activision-merger/index.html http://www.fosspatents.com/2022/11/sonygate-dg-comp-faces-worst-case.html
http://www.fosspatents.com/2022/11/eu-commission-staffer-who-tweeted-about.html
*** "Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
*** Twitter: @hoeglaw Web: hoeglaw.com 

Doom Eternal Composer Fights Back! | A Legal Look at the Soundtrack Saga (VL740)

When the Doom Eternal official soundtrack (OST) was released to near universal ridicule in 2020, id Software manager Marty Stratton took to reddit to explain how it was all the fault of composer Mick Gordon.
Now, some 2.5 years later Mick Gordon has joined the fight with his own tale of unpaid contracts, abuse, and mismanagement, and things are getting messy.
It's time for a musically synchronized shotgun pump...in Virtual Legality.
#doom #doometernal #ost
*** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/ *
** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction (Thanks Roketsu86!) 02:39 The Stratton Letter (2020) 20:28 The Gordon Response (2022) - Overview 46:35 The Importance of Contracts 1:06:07 Reconciliation and Betrayal 1:27:46 Recitation of Facts 1:34:05 Conclusion
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*** Discussed in this episode:
TWEET https://twitter.com/Mick_Gordon/status/1590343092598878210
REDDIT POST (2020) https://www.reddit.com/r/Doom/comments/gdg25y/doom_eternal_ost_open_letter/
ARTICLE
https://www.vg247.com/doom-eternal-soundtrack-bad-mixing
GORDON RESPONSE (2022)
https://medium.com/@mickgordon/my-full-statement-regarding-doom-eternal-5f98266b27ce
*** "Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
*** Twitter: @hoeglaw Web: hoeglaw.com

Xbox, Activision, and the EU Phase 2 Review | A Legal Look (VL739 RECORDED LIVE)

The European Commission, regulatory arm of the European Union, has finally announced that it will follow the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in elevating its evaluation of Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard to "Phase 2".
But while the reasoning given is similar. It's not identical.
Let's talk about it...LIVE.
So many phases, so little time...in Virtual Legality.
#Microsoft #Xbox #Activision
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*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:31 Examining the EU's Phase 2 Reasoning 22:11 The EU's Quote 24:45 Q&A 31:21 Conclusion *** Discussed in this episode: *** "Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
*** Twitter: @hoeglaw Web: hoeglaw.com