Virtual Legality

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

*** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/

*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 1:05 A History of Flipping 9:08 Attempting the Biggest Flip Yet 18:27 Conclusion

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UTREON - https://utreon.com/c/hoeglaw/

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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

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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UTREON - https://utreon.com/c/hoeglaw/

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MERCH STORE - https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/

*** 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

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

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

*** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/

*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction (Thanks, Supporters!) 01:36 Activision Press Release 07:49 Analysis 21:09 Conclusion

*** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL?

UTREON - https://utreon.com/c/hoeglaw/

PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality

MERCH STORE - https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/

*** 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

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

*** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/

*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:25 The New York Times Dives In 23:22 Ten. Years. 29:47 FTC Litigation? 35:06 Conclusion

*** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL?

UTREON - https://utreon.com/c/hoeglaw/

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MERCH STORE - https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/

*** 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

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

*** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/

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UTREON - https://utreon.com/c/hoeglaw/

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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

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

*** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/

*** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Stratton Statement (short form) 06:31 Gordon Statement (short form) 08:18 Bethesda Statement Analysis 19:05 Conclusion

*** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL?

UTREON - https://utreon.com/c/hoeglaw/

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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

In this episode, Richard Hoeg provides an introduction, discusses a recent lawsuit involving gamers, and summarizes public comments received by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

(0:00) Introduction

(3:53) Gamers Lawsuit

(1:50:27) CMA Public Comments Summary

In this episode, Richard Hoeg, the host of Virtual Legality, provides an introduction to the series. Special thanks to FalkusVipus for their contribution.

(0:00) Introduction (Thanks, FalkusVipus)

In this episode, Richard Hoeg sets the stage for a deep dive into the intersection of law, video games, and digital matters. He provides a comprehensive introduction to the complex world of Virtual Legality.

(0:00) Introduction and overview of the Microsoft Activision deal and the FTC's complaint

(10:40) Listener's questions and comments on Microsoft's alleged actions and the EU's accusations

(20:34) Discussion on the FTC's market control argument and its attempt to expand its authority

(33:44) Analysis of the FTC's accusations against Microsoft and the EU regulator's response

(40:00) Examination of the legality and potential effects of Microsoft's acquisition on competition and monopoly

(51:15) Discussion on the jurisdictional issues related to the acquisition and comparison of Microsoft's and Activision's revenues

(1:00:15) Response to audience comments and questions about the FTC's perspective and the shift from buy-to-play model to subscription model in video games

(1:18:10) Critique of the FTC's arguments, discussion on market definition, and the pro-competitive effects of the acquisition

(1:38:16) Responding to super chats and comments from viewers, and discussion on high-end consoles and Nintendo Switch

(1:54:51) Addressing concerns over Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, analyzing the incentive of Microsoft to disadvantage rivals post-acquisition, and critique of the FTC's assertions about consumer harm

(2:16:28) Final thoughts on the FTC's case against Microsoft's acquisition, predictions for Microsoft's future, and podcast closing remarks.