Microsoft-Activision Merger and Canadian Maple Syrup Jokes
A discussion about the potential merger between Microsoft and Activision has led to a flurry of Canadian maple syrup jokes and memes. Alongside the humor, there has been criticism of the Canadian government for its perceived failure to take action against mergers and acquisitions that have a negative impact on the lives of Canadians. Recent information has revealed that Canada is dissatisfied with the Microsoft-Activision merger and is seeking to include Rogers/Bell in the deal, which has caused some amusement among users.
One user jokingly remarks, "The maple syrup industry's just too sticky! They don't want to let go of their hold on the Canadian economy." Another user raises concerns about the Canadian telecom industry, mentioning the recent Rogers outage and stating, "They’re trying to take over our lives and we can’t do anything about it."
Canadian Competition Bureau's Viewpoint
The Canadian Competition Bureau, due to Microsoft's business presence in Canada, has the right to express its viewpoint on the merger. However, some users believe that the Bureau's concerns are a distraction from more significant issues affecting Canadians, such as the Rogers outage. One user writes, "I don’t think the merger will be good for consumers, but I also don’t think it’s good that Canada is busy worrying about it while other deals go through without scrutiny."
Motivations Behind the Merger
While some users support the merger and hope it will bring positive changes to Blizzard, others argue that Microsoft's primary motivation is profit and that gamers should not expect significant improvements. One user writes, "Microsoft will make sure that the game is profitable enough to cover the costs of development and Microsoft’s profits. It’s not as if they’ll pump millions of dollars into the game’s development and take a lower share of profits, or anything."
Debate Over Exclusivity and Double Standards
The exclusivity of certain games on different platforms becomes a topic of debate, with some users criticizing the double standards applied to Microsoft compared to Sony and Nintendo. One user points out, "Microsoft buys studios and IPs, while Sony does exclusives." Another user counters, "Sony pays developers to keep games off other platforms, while Microsoft buys studios, IPs, and the rights to make games."
The Role of Sony in Exclusivity Deals
The role of Sony in securing exclusivity deals is mentioned, along with the support its first-party studios provide to developers. The practice of paying developers to keep games off other platforms, including Game Pass, is also brought up. One user states, "Sony does pay devs to keep games off other platforms. It’s not just a rumor." Another user responds, "Microsoft is making deals to buy studios and IPs, while Sony is paying devs to keep games off other platforms."
Microsoft and Sony's Position in the Industry
The discussion then turns to Sony's own acquisitions and its position in the industry. One user argues, "Microsoft's studios are indie studios and small studios, while Sony's studios are first-party studios." Another user counters, "They aren't the most dominant player. They're the third-party who’s been around the longest."
Join the Discussion
If you'd like to learn more about the Microsoft-Activision merger and join the discussion, check out the original thread.
