Call of Duty: Michael Feist, from Vancouver, Washington, has spent about 163 hours playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II since its release two months ago. That’s over a week’s worth of time spent fighting digital battles on his Xbox Series X, and it’s that kind of dedication that Microsoft is banking on with its $69 billion purchase of game developer Activision Blizzard.
The 27-year-old and his brothers took time off from work to play when it was released. Feist has played Call of Duty games, one of the most popular video game series ever since he was a kid. He and his stepfather were regulars at the GameStop lines for new Call of Duty releases.
More than 425 million pieces of the 19-year-old military-themed series have been sold, bringing in over $30 billion in sales. As a result of Microsoft‘s recent and largest-ever acquisition, Activision Blizzard, the company that owns the Call of Duty franchise, is now the subject of a court struggle.
The firm green-lighted Microsoft’s approximately $69 billion buyout offer in April. In the following months, U.S. regulators criticized the merger as anticompetitive and took steps to stop it from going through. The relevant authorities are currently investigating it in the U.K. and E.U.
Call of Duty
This deal would be one of the top 30 most significant acquisitions in terms of sheer size. It is much larger than Amazon‘s $8.5 billion purchase of MGM earlier this year and Microsoft’s $26.2 billion purchase of the professional network platform LinkedIn in 2016.
Microsoft claims to be in the video game industry alongside Sony and Nintendo but claims to be in last place. This purchase aims to give the Redmond-based computer giant an edge in the marketplace.
Microsoft claims that “three-quarters of Activision’s gamers and more than a third of its profits come from mobile products,” making this acquisition “essential” to Microsoft’s plans to expand Xbox’s footprint in mobile gaming.
Woke up from falling asleep with our sick kids to see the Microsoft and Activision replies to the FTC are public.
The Federal Trade Commission, a newly empowered federal agency charged with preventing the formation of monopolies, was displeased by Activision’s acquisition. Microsoft’s assurances that it will make popular titles like Call of Duty available on more platforms have not influenced the FTC.
A complaint was lodged earlier this month by commissioners alleging that the transaction would have an anticompetitive effect.
The complaint alleges that if Microsoft owned Activision’s intellectual property, “it would have the capacity and enhanced motive to withhold or degrade Activision’s material in ways that substantially decrease competition,” including competition on product quality, pricing, and innovation.
Microsoft disputes that the proposed transaction would grant it monopoly power. On Friday, Xbox responded to the FTC case by saying, “Xbox and Activision are only two of hundreds of game publishers who compete by selling different sorts of games on different platforms at varying costs, ranging to $0.”
What could be the deciding factor in the court case? A “Call of Duty.” “The FTC’s action is all about… one game, Call of Duty,” Microsoft President Brad Smith said during the company’s annual shareholder meeting in December.
Microsoft’s full response to the FTC lawsuit over blocking the ABK deal has been published
Since its inception in 2003, Activision has produced a new Call of Duty game year. Despite its $70 price tag, Modern Warfare II this year sold $1 billion in the first ten days after its release on October 28.
Modern Warfare 2’s story mode, cooperative mode, and multiplayer platform provide players with a first-person perspective on real-world and fictional conflicts. The creators collaborated with Pentagon experts to make the battle mechanics in Call of Duty as realistic as possible.
The multiplayer feature is the series’ main lure, allowing players to compete in tournaments as teams. Expert in the video game industry and adviser for The NPD Group, Mat Piscatella has stated that Call of Duty has been the best-selling game of its release month for a record 14 years.
Call of Duty, according to Piscatella, is the biggest game ever made. Call of Duty generates income for consoles like the Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation through physical game sales and microtransactions.
Microsoft has filed its response to the FTC’s lawsuit attempting to block the Activision Blizzard deal. Microsoft said after almost a year, FTC hasn’t come up with proof of plans to pull Call of Duty from PlayStation https://t.co/30ZxLWDbXX
Joshua Foust, an author on the video gaming industry and consumer identities, argues that the ability to sell cosmetic upgrades, such as new “skins” for players’ guns, is a sustainable revenue stream for platforms.
According to Foust, Sony is concerned about losing this long-term cash source if Call of Duty is no longer on PlayStation, the world’s most popular gaming device. Microsoft, according to Sony, would cut PlayStation off from the game if the acquisition goes through. Representatives for Sony did not return calls seeking comment.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
