What Even is THAT Argument?! | Lobbying for Xbox/Activision...Poorly (VL731)

Key Points

• The episode discusses and critiques the recent statements from lobbying bodies like the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) regarding the Microsoft-Activision merger, highlighting the ITIF's potential biases due to its funding sources, which include corporations such as Microsoft and Amazon.
• Richard Hoeg points out the flaws in comparing Microsoft's past behavior with Minecraft to its potential future actions with Call of Duty, emphasizing the significant differences between the two games, including their release models and the role of subscription services like Game Pass.
• The episode conveys skepticism about the ITIF's argument that Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard does not raise concerns of vertical foreclosure, suggesting that the ITIF's analysis oversimplifies complex market dynamics and potential future incentives for Microsoft to limit access to Call of Duty on competing platforms.