Xbox BUYS Activision Blizzard | Call of Duty and More Exclusive? | What This Means For Xbox

[@RandalThor19]

Thanks for support everyone. This week's show was sponsored by MANSCAPED, which has given Xbox Two listeners 20% off @ Manscaped.com with the checkout code XB2

[@assassin8945]

Activision did alot of spiderman games back In The day do you think Sony could stop the spiderman games to come to gamepass

[@jajes711]

With Spyro, Crash, and Banjo they can reach the younger market, with King they can reach the mobile space, and with Activision Blizzard they can reach their core market; great deal all around

[@traceconlon657]

Genuine question where does Psychonauts fall ?haven’t played it but have seen a little bit of game play

[@jajes711]

@@traceconlon657 I would say their core/younger market, but it has some heavy themes

[@sigma5210]

I would say COD is hitting the casual market. The other Activision franchises are core

[@sigma5210]

@@traceconlon657 Psychonauts 2 is a core game for sure.

[@UPhlask]

@@traceconlon657 Psychonauts is so fun. And I will say that I would have never played it if it wasn’t for GP. I haven’t played the 1st one yet! 2 is very good!

[@jakobteichroeb874]

Sony bought COD timed exclusive content, Microsoft bought Activision. Sony should have played nicer than they had been last Gen.

[@thegoat2985]

did the samething with bethesda, sony bought time exclusivity for deathloop and ghost wire and then microsoft bought bethesda

[@factual_opinion]

Microsoft, " welcome home Rod" Rod fergusson, "How did you know we were here?"

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

Just have to say Thank God!! I don't care if your a PlayStation or an Xbox fanboy, I'm both but due to scalpers and manufacturing shortages I am currently a PC elite. Activision was choking and bleeding the life and talent out of Blizzard for years running their reputation into the ground, this wasn't a buyout people, it was a rescue mission, plain and simple with Phil Spencer at the helm as the Master Chief bringing the captives to safety.

[@cyrilA.]

Not only saving those games but also more important the People!

[@TerraWare]

I've been a pc guy since the xbox one generation and I appreciate the fact Microsoft allows me to experience their offerings on my own hardware. Its that change in operations and porting GP to PC that made me pay attention again. Now they own Blizzard a company whose games I was raised in. I hope this acquisition is a good thing for them for WoW, Starcraft and Diablo. Yea most of the talent and the old guard is gone but those IP's are just too good to not do anything with em.

[@ZFG__Gaming]

@pudaoking. Great post!! 👍

[@MegaBadseed]

Xbox leading the way! Great show fellas.

[@paulbrown1409]

I’m not sure Jez is correct saying it won’t bring people to Xbox because you can’t get an Xbox is missing the point that this won’t happen potentially for another year. Plus the first COD Xmas release is virtually 21 months away, by which point the supply issues should have eased considerably. Plus an Xbox series x CoD special edition console releasing Xmas 2023 would give the sales of the console another boost.

[@passivevii4052]

Christmas not Xmas lazy bum

[@djnfbrhkelkondwvb6853]

It would be awesome to see Microsoft in the future acquire Eidos Montreal and Crystal Dynamics if Square was willing to sell them off

[@brandonbartlett5667]

This aged sad

[@sandyfordd1843]

I think we should hold a minutes silence for Sony. RIP Sony.

[@shadowwolfgaming364]

I want ppl to remember embracer group is a thing before they talk about Microsoft and monopolies

[@dnortonx]

Love it. Phil and Satya Nadella need to do a video saying ‘this is how to play call of duty: *powers on an xbox*’

[@mosescharles]

Lmaooooo this comment is GOLD!!!!

[@ZFG__Gaming]

I laughed way too hard at that comment. Lovely bit of tongue-in-cheek 😆

[@BTMaverick707]

They're gonna make COD it exclusive and use It as leverage to get GamePass on Playstation

[@retropyro]

If we don't get a action/adventure 3rd person game based on Pitfall and a River Raid game similar to Ace Combat in gameplay, I'll be disappointed.

[@warawana]

A lot of GREAT predictions on this podcast. Great show guys, truly amazing.

[@hiruu]

Hey Gents, here is something to consider and Rand you can research this for a future video. Microsoft is basically going to end with a more money in the bank when this deal closes, than when announced, if it closes next summer. So, with regard to them buying more studios...yeah if the right opportunity comes about, they will buy. I think if anyone tried to buy IOI, CD or Avalanche, they will push the button to protect those projects.

[@jackd6148]

Microsoft was working on a different acquisition before Activision called them in October.

[@PapaAwiz]

All due respect to all opinions and takes. But I think to some degree this conversation about exclusivity has the wrong talking point. Specifically in regards to the almost 70 billion Xbox paid. I fully understand the guys centering the entire convo around cod seeing as cod is cod. Number 1 game blah blah blah. I get it. But with all due respect Xbox did not pay 70 bil for cod....they paid 70 bil for Activision/Blizzard. I think Rand has a good thought process on his stance on cod for sure even tho I personally see cod being handled EXACTLY like Minecraft....but I HIGHLY disagree with the notion that Xbox does not get FULL value out of the 70 bil dollar acquisition PURELY if they let cod go multiplat. As big as cod is, I don't think any world exists where you would put that one franchise on a pedestal all by itself....and then look at the rest of the monster franchises under the Blizzard banner like they are 2nd rate. Again that 70 wasn't 70 JUST for cod. Xbox bought the entire farm. Think we need to be careful not to disrespect the other titles involved in the conversation. Great show as always.

[@JeanLucWilliams]

Really good show today, more Tuesday shows maybe?

[@painfuldiscourse5231]

The backdrop for the video thumbnail is a very good idea. If it's not to big of an effort you should tray to do it more. It helps to identify the episode easier. 😉

[@jessey1729]

I could see rare working on the next banjo game.

[@uksuperguy1]

Good show guys always a great listen

[@marty5300]

as far as troubled companies, I wish they'd have pounced on Rockstar and Ubisoft... but maybe this will be a good thing. They obviously want blockbuster IP's and aren't afraid to spend for them.

[@jackd6148]

Who says they aren't? Activision called Microsoft in October, all other acquisitions were put on hold. Activision became priority 1.

[@marty5300]

@@jackd6148 nobody saw 70b coming though. Just with Bethesda and now Activision you're talking almost 80b in acquisitions. I don't see how they can spend another 20 or 30b

[@retropyro]

Jez is right, CoD was not always an annual release. We had two years between Call of Duty in 2003 and CoD 2 in 2005. Of course that's the only time it wasn't an annual release.

[@anonigamer2010]

I did actually think they only went annual after cod 4 for some reason, that was my bad.

[@retropyro]

@@anonigamer2010 I knew there was only one gap, but actually thought the gap was 5 years for some reason. Probably confusing it with MoH.

[@realmovsean6988]

Omfg... Thank you for saying Nightmare Creatures!!! I feel like the only kid from the 90's who played that shit

[@Rheisler1475]

Activision made that? that game was awesome, I received it Christmas morning 1998 along with resident evil 2 for my Nintendo 64.

[@jackd6148]

A cheesehead I was in the air force wouldn't shut up about that game.

[@RedFive03]

You guys....they did it!

[@artisthines9853]

Jez sounds giddy like a school girl. Glad for all Xbox fans

[@UnRu1eD]

I keep hearing that Xbox buying Crystal Dynamics, Asobo, Netherrealm, TT Games, Crytek, Avalanche, IO Interactive. Only other two things I hear as well is AT&T or at least WB Games and Sega.

[@ZFG__Gaming]

Great show @Rand al Thor 19 @Jez. Sorry I didn't catch you live! WTAF! This news is huge!! Personally, I'm not really in to COD, but the possibility that COD might be exclusive to Xbox one day, it would be phenomenal for the Xbox brand and would easily drive GamePass subs, either for the Series S, X, PC or Xcloud through either the inevitable Xcloud Dongle, or Native App on the TV

[@blaque5582]

Nothing would be this Big outside of purchasing EA or Take two interactive.

[@truechannel2k24]

Unstoppable today, unstoppable today

[@grtcara8386]

RIP PlayStation and all hail emperor Phil Spencer!

[@johnvaldez5236]

Stay with me here.... Mike Ybarra, leaves Microsoft and joins Activision.... Someone starts leaking all the bad things going on..... Activision stock tanks..... Microsoft squires Activision.... Mike now in charge of Activision.... And back working for Microsoft where he started..... With a WAY bigger title..... I know it's a stretch... But very feasible

[@xxrav3nclawx]

😲

[@jackd6148]

Microsoft had a mole! Microsoft saved $30-$50B because they didn't acquire them a year ago.

[@ZFG__Gaming]

Some interesting conspiracy theory...I like it. 😆 in all seriousness though with the shit that was happening, they (MS) didn't need some 'Mole', shit got real and shit got exposed...

[@budthecyborg4575]

1:35:10 In a rare case Jez has the xCloud situation all wrong. Xbox Cloud Gaming is only on iPhone through the browser, Apple gets nothing. I don't know exactly what the situation is with Android but if there is a lot of money on the line then Microsoft would do the same thing there.

[@budthecyborg4575]

After Phil's latest statements about CoD on Playstation I think there is a slight shift of plans from the Bethesda strategy. The problem is not the popularity of CoD, the problem is Sony has 120 Million users and Xbox has no possibility of reaching that many people without PS4. Key word "PS4" NOT PS5. If CoD is worth about a billion dollars a year on PS4 and Xbox has zero possibility of reaching those people right now, then it makes sense to keep publishing on "PS4". There is no reason to publish on PS5 though, so the split will happen the moment they stop making CoD on PS4. As soon as there is a Next Gen Exclusive CoD it will be only on Xbox.

[@AfterHoursCollector]

Maybe Phil can find 2 people from Activision who can update the achievement system 😎 lol

[@twoface4969]

WB Would've been better

[@slothfratelli5546]

Hey Jez warcraft 2 was on the original playstation. Just an fyi.

[@paulbrown1409]

Unlike Bethesda which I will play a lot of their games I only ever played the single player COD campaign and even stopped doing that about four years ago.

[@CuboImp0rtz]

This is a great day

[@loftie8387]

Apparently jeff grubb had said warzone will stay multiplat and standalone cod titles will go exclusive, i haven't seen or heard for my self but was reported by boomstick on his podcast

[@jackd6148]

I think warzone should be exclusive, or cease to exist.

[@chargasm712]

They keep supporting released games and honouring contracts after that only on platforms where gamepass exists like with bethesda aquisition

[@K3nny24]

Rand if you see these. I haven't heard what you thought of the wheel of time amazon series but I hate it!! I audio WOT every year. Alot of travel. But I really cant believe how much I hate it can't get myself to watch it all. Half way through ep 3 or 4 lol

[@skeeweezy09]

What game is this

[@strongium9900]

You can’t grow Xbox without making titles or buying titles that can be on,y on Xbox. What’s the point of buying publishers or studios if you just turn around and put the game on your competitors platform. People always say Microsoft wants to make their money back. Best way is when someone buys into the ecosystem. That will grow Gamepass into a juggernaut. Gamepass will not grow if these top tier games show up on other platforms. Sure people will say I’ll never buy an Xbox. Well they don’t have to. They can play it on their PC or mobile devices. And when Microsoft puts Gamepass on TV sets. Gez is right why should Microsoft studios use their time and resources to develop content for another platform. And I agree with Randal. Phil may want Jim Ryan to bend the knee. But just saying it because you buy these studios won’t make it happen. Here’s a example a poor choice but valid. When America was at war with Japan. We didn’t say hey we have this new atomic bomb. Either you bend the knee or we will drop it on you. No. They dropped it. No response. The dropped it again then fools came to the table. Phil has to make it exclusive to Xbox. Then when Sony sees their lead in the industry shrink, then Jim Ryan comes to the table. Microsoft isn’t out to destroy Sony. I think they like having Sony in the market. But Microsoft wants to be in charge. Or let’s say setting the tone in the industry. And let’s be real here. Microsoft is the company to keep google Amazon and Tencent in check. Do you really think Sony could deal with those companies. Sony couldn’t deal with Apple Samsung or LG. Once Microsoft has the lead then Jim Ryan may say fine put Gamepass on PlayStation. This way playstation users get to play the games they like. Sony stays healthy. Those who want to only own a PlayStation can and still get to play their games. Really there is no difference in Sony putting Gamepass on the PlayStation and Microsoft allowing the games to still be made for PlayStation. The real difference is they get the PlayStation users to support Gamepass while they get to keep playing the titles they like. But Microsoft’s way. So I think Rand is spot on. Because this way Microsoft can grow Gamepass by using Sonys users base. Make the money from PlayStation users and they still get to play the titles they like. Everyone is happy. But Microsoft is in control. That’s all this is about. Microsoft controls how the PlayStation user get to play these games. They play them but through Gamepass.

[@ZFG__Gaming]

Could do with some paragraphs, but great post! And quite possible that does happen, though Sony would have to give Microsoft shares if any Pay2Win/Pay2LookGood purchases were made, and I just can't see that happening... Yes, they have hired Microsoft for using their Azure Services, though paying directly for GamePass affiliation (in some way), is something completely different. Only time will tell...

[@SocialMoney595]

This is an acquisition thinking on mobile and PC gamers not much on console owners. I would prefer Ubisoft, Square Enix or WB

[@jackd6148]

Wb doesn't have much value without the licenses, minus netherrealm. SE employees would quit, or they'd sign a bunch of contracts to help Sony before they sell. Ubisoft is the same couple games everytime.

[@spongesponge2998]

When they look to judge to determine a monopoly,they won't just look at Xbox as a separate division from Microsoft. Especially considering it's wasn't their gaming division that bought Activision,it was Microsoft the corporation. When they are considering if it's one or not,they will look at Microsoft. Microsoft is one of the top money making companies in the world,they will not just look at the gaming division side especially just because you buy other companies for another part of your division, doesn't mean it can't be considered a monopoly. It could be said that Nintendo and Sony aren't able to compete at this level as neither companies make this kind of money to to counter the moves Microsoft is making. Hope it goes through but it may not because Nintendo and Sony can't compete with Microsoft on this level as they don't even come close to making the kind of money Microsoft does. Nintendo and Sony combined don't make the money Microsoft does.

[@shadowwolfgaming364]

With all due respect I don’t think anyone talking monopoly or anti trust understands the actual laws or standings on the matter

[@Joeru510]

@@shadowwolfgaming364 yeah they really don’t, they seem to think it’s like the board game where you own a couple hotels and you’re all of a sudden a monopoly status. It’ll only be viewed and considered that way is if Microsoft randomly bought Facebook or amazon or google or 50% of McDonald’s property license. Then that’s when the law has to step in, but games? Lol anyone can make new games and new talent can be made anytime. But not everyone can make the next amazon, if that makes sense.

[@talon67x]

So would we be getting spiderman web of shadows back?

[@strongium9900]

Thank god for Gez. Common sense

[@riskysoul7695]

Great day for all us gamers 😎

[@SocialMoney595]

Xbox needs CoD to be exclusive to gain traction in Europe that is full of casual gaming that only cares about CoD and FIFA with gamepass giving Access to both

[@jackd6148]

I'd love a new hexen game

[@jeevesss7752]

"Welcome to the Xbox family... We're all adopted because our dad is sterile."

[@jklaro101]

If gamepass went to playstation the xbox console would be useless. Xbox with gamepass or playstation 5 with gamepass plus all Sony exclusives.

[@jackd6148]

It won't go to Playstation ever.

[@strongium9900]

I think Rand is right on point with Gamepass coming to PlayStation. PlayStation gamers are like well Microsoft has to put these games on PlayStation to make their money back. Microsoft doesn’t have to. They got it like that. So the issue really becomes PlayStation user want to still be able to play these games. If Microsoft let these games still come out on PlayStation then PlayStation users would still be happy They would play COD or Starfield on PlayStation. They can all they have to do is subscrib to Gamepass for PlayStation. They get the titles they don’t want to lose and Microsoft users PlayStation users to support Gamepass. How is it any different than letting the disc of these games be made for console. You’re going to tell me PlayStation users won’t play CoD because to get it they have to get it from Gamepass instead of a disc? This way it would be 15 bucks a month and if they want they can buy it out right. If they will only buy it in disc format then they are dumb. They get to play the titles they want. But via Gamepass Microsoft’s subscription is supported by PlayStation users. They get to play the titles they felt were being taken away. It’s a win win. Either way Microsoft grows. The grow if the make those titles exclusive to Xbox. They grow if they put those title on a Gamepass service for PlayStation users. If Sony won’t bend the knee then Microsoft can be like we offered these titles to PlayStation via Gamepass but Jim Ryan turned them down. So it wouldn’t be Microsoft took the games from them. Sony won’t let them play the games they want that Microsoft owns. Then you may get people jumping ship for Xbox. Either way Sony is the bad guy. They lose the narrative by letting Gamepass on PlayStation or they look bad by saying no to letting PlayStation users continue to get access to titlesMkcrosoft now owns. What does Microsoft get leverage and grow Gamepass.

[@oats4718]

Diablo Immortal will be another big play into mobile.

[@joem3766]

Secretly rand just wanted to say RIP Sony ponies

[@hariomtelecom2112]

in our subculture it is DALLAS-ing (if you rember the old TV series)... Drink every ti they drink wNice tutorialskey

[@GrandNoble]

Xbox is Goat

[@ZoDiAcZ34]

Should have bought EA, they have way better ip

[@eugeniabergeron8987]

think that I don't really care I'm just impressed that Xbox or should I say Microsoft purchased such a large amount of money and all of that but whatever happens I don't have an opinion on it one way or the other but I will say this perhaps we might be able to play world of Warcraft on a console but most likely it probably won't support controller so perhaps it will be available to play via keyboard and mouse but time will tell.

[@creakwoodliege5239]

I'm sorry if u pay 70 billion on something its exclusive those r just facts ps owners can say good bye to any new call of duty games except maybe the one in the works right now who knows about thqt one but any game after that I dont think ps consoles will have those games on there

[@jez.c]

W I L D

[@JohnBrown1]

great show

[@billclay2701]

Microsoft should make a handheld with the power of a xbox one X with 720p resolution (can play anything) and comes with plenty of storage and free gamepass for 6 months or a year. Japan would like that , right?

[@WindowsCentralGaming]

BRUH

[@alishafqat9404]

Honestly what Microsoft gets from this deal in terms of new content? Call of duty Vanguard Sales are pretty low Call of duty Fatigue has starting to hit hard and knowing Activision 2 more call of duty games would already in production. Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2 having development issues WOW is its all time low. On top of this, all the lawsuits, bad reputation and culture issues. Its gonna take atleast 3 - 4 years to get back on track till then they only have old games for gamepass. Spending 70$ billion on this which is more than the combined value of CAPCOM, SQUARE ENIX, Warner bros interactive entertainment and Devolver Digital.

[@octopusievideos]

Crash of the titan 2????

[@afcansf5996]

Though its a huge get, I dont find it an exciting acquisition, I would have preferred Ubisoft. I used to like WOW but it has been ruined sine they wokefied it into oblivion and also hosed down and broke the game. MS probaly will improve the gameplay but I dont see theming back on the wokification. COD is the casual magnet, and thus will drive subs; so I dont see how COD campaigns are going to stay multi plat. Only Warzone will remain on PS. I hope more acquisitions are coming, I would love to see more Nier and Bayonetta style franchises or Sword & Fairy 7 being ported to Xbox; and/or a South Korean Studio being purchased.

[@xBINARYGODx]

if you think the woke-ification you claim happened is what ruined them, your a so far out of touch, its past being funny.

[@SocialMoney595]

Agreed or Square Enix or WB, none of those studios do a 3rd person story driven game. All they are doing right now is CoD another FPS

[@dreame4ter773]

PLEASE Xbox make a new nightmare creatures! I love the eerie, dark, gothic, bloody mess that I played @ 5 years old 🧟‍♂️ If you update everything but keep the asthetic The day Bobby Kotik leaves will be a brighter dawn on gaming. Less time gates, more innovation. And in this new era of consoles, I couldn't be more excited! Next E3 will be a new gaming era 🎮🙌

[@jackd6148]

Great day to be a gamer

[@sbh1889]

Corporate consolidation is terrible for consumers and the industry; stop cheering for this. The consumers lose in the end, not Bobby Kotick, who will make around $500 mill from not working a day in his life again.

[@brucevaughan3163]

@SBH. you're joking, of course. Still drinking that 20th Century Kool Aid. LMFAO.

[@T_M_E_8]

It’s inevitable, whether it’s good for us or not. Better Xbox than Tencent

[@creakwoodliege5239]

If gamepass was on playstiom what would be the point of buying an xbox ?

[@Ryan-yi5ro]

Maybe having the far more powerful system that actually has next gen features and isn't designed after a children's yugioh character. Just a guess. 🤦

[@creakwoodliege5239]

I love my xbox but most people wouldn't see the point in that man unless the xbox is far more powerful and faster then the ps

[@dpadcatalyst8655]

Playstation actually need a God of (Console) war to save them now.

[@BackupPanic07]

Please don't bring on a bunch of people I don't care about for the next one, as I hate having to skip episodes.

[@mbuonaguro102]

Battle royale sucks

[@twoface4969]

I don't see how Activision Blizzards is better than Bethesda like most people think.

[@MasterofLightning]

It's just wayyyyy bigger. COD, Candy Crush and WoW are three of the biggest game franchises of all-time. The sales, financial success and player count are unreal. I love Bethesda and care wayyy more about that, but this is insanely massive. The price tag speaks for itself!

[@T_M_E_8]

The community with activision is nothing short of gargantuan. Zenimax might have the talent and IP’s, but activision has the crowd

[@mgratk]

The gobbling up of studios will be HORRIBLE for gamers in the long run.

[@TheZurgi]

how

[@jakobteichroeb874]

@@TheZurgi monopoly, less choice means if you want to be in this entertainment circle than you don't have a choice no matter how good or bad the content is. I am glad this happened as I could never hear the end of it as a xbox gamer so this does put a smile on my face.

[@retropyro]

@@jakobteichroeb874 It's not anywhere close to a monopoly.

[@brucevaughan3163]

Unless #1 gobbler Play$tation is doing it, of course. Then it's okay.

[@TheZurgi]

@@jakobteichroeb874 I mean you can play it anywhere minus one place , not really a monopoly