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SetGuitarsToKill
Canada28396 Posts
![[image loading]](http://esportsobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Major_League_Gaming_logo.svg_.png){kind=logo} MLG has reportedly sold “substantially all” of it's assets to Activision-Blizzard for the price of $46 million. Longtime CEO Sundance DiGiovanni has also reportedly been removed from his position at the company. It's not clear how this move will affect StarCraft 2, but with Blizzard's recent shift in focus towards the foreign scene it's hard to imagine this move will not play a role in their future plans. Source 
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Noocta
France12578 Posts
Last time Blizzard bought a broadcasting company, things didn't do so well. ( IPL ) If they want to create a legitimate US Circuit to boost the marketing value of their new WCS rules, they're basically starting this from scratch, because the scene of pro players for this kind of thing is not exactly great right now. I'm thinking this move was probably pushed forward to help the Activision side of the company. MLG has been the prime platform for Call of Duty for a long time. | ||
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ZigguratOfUr
Iraq16955 Posts
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HalfPastLife
7 Posts
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Footler
United States560 Posts
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Circumstance
United States11403 Posts
 ). Though, of course, this is a bigger pickup for the Activision side, considering which game was making up most of the MLG TV viewer base. | ||
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vult
United States9400 Posts
Not sure how this will affect Activizzard, but hopefully they can use "substantially all" of those assets to help sc2. | ||
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Lonyo
United Kingdom3884 Posts
Wouldn't surprise me if it was them who were pushing for an out. $10m in 2006 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/06/9999999997-06-033352 $28m in 2006 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/06/9999999997-06-048185 $1.4m in 2007 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/07/9999999997-07-029834 $7.5m in 2009 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/09/9999999997-09-000536 $3.5m in 2009 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155109000004/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml $3.3m in 2010 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155110000002/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml $3.1m in 2011 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155111000001/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml $2.5m in 2011 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155111000003/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml $11.3m in 2012 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155112000001/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml $0 in 2013 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155113000002/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml * $0 in 2015 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155115000001/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml * $1m debt in 2015 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155115000002/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml *Both of these specify: "Warrants to be issued in exchange for services. The offering amount assumes that all the warrants that can potentially be earned and issued are, in fact, earned and issued." $70m in cash and possibly issued some debt and warrants. The investors are getting $46m out of it. | ||
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RenSC2
United States1048 Posts
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Solar424
United States4001 Posts
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FueledUpAndReadyToGo
Netherlands30548 Posts
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T.O.P.
Hong Kong4685 Posts
On January 01 2016 10:47 Lonyo wrote: Investors lost out big time there. Wouldn't surprise me if it was them who were pushing for an out. $10m in 2006 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/06/9999999997-06-033352 $28m in 2006 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/06/9999999997-06-048185 $1.4m in 2007 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/07/9999999997-07-029834 $7.5m in 2009 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/09/9999999997-09-000536 $3.5m in 2009 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155109000004/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml $3.3m in 2010 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155110000002/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml $3.1m in 2011 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155111000001/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml $2.5m in 2011 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155111000003/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml $11.3m in 2012 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155112000001/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml $0 in 2013 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155113000002/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml * $0 in 2015 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155115000001/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml * $1m debt in 2015 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1371551/000137155115000002/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml *Both of these specify: "Warrants to be issued in exchange for services. The offering amount assumes that all the warrants that can potentially be earned and issued are, in fact, earned and issued." $70m in cash and possibly issued some debt and warrants. The investors are getting $46m out of it. That's not bad. I can't believe MLG is worth 46 million. I always thought those investors were going to lose everything. | ||
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deth2munkies
United States4051 Posts
That said, I always took them existing for granted and they were a recognizable brand. It's sad to see them go. | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
This is ATVI's first big move after announcing their eSports subsidiary and hiring Sepso and that NFL Network prez guy whatever his name is. These 2 guys are supposed to run the eSports subsidiary. Kotick talked some pretty big talk about the eSports subsidiary and generally.... when Kotick opens his big mouth and talks big... shit happens. | ||
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odaxium
United States356 Posts
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plasmidghost
Belgium16168 Posts
Plus MLG Columbus 2013 was probably the most hype Dota 2 tournament outside of an International in the game's history, at least to me, since that was the first victory for my most favorite player EternaLEnVy after getting kicked from the team he created | ||
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Clonester
Germany2808 Posts
On January 01 2016 11:22 deth2munkies wrote: Let's be real, MLG went all in on CoD and failed. ESL got CoD World Championships and that was the nail in the coffin. Honestly, I skipped an MLG that was within 4 hours of me for the first time this year because I just didn't care enough to go. I didn't care about SF5, didn't care about CoD, didn't care about Halo, and only somewhat cared about Smash Bros. Riot pulling LoL, Halo losing its audience, SC2 losing most of its audience, and losing CoD to ESL, it's hard to think why MLG was even still in it. The CSGO shift was too little, too late That said, I always took them existing for granted and they were a recognizable brand. It's sad to see them go. MLG just took the CS:GO Spring Major and "stole" it from IEM Kato. They had their own player and thus had more control and more from each viewer. I dont think they were in such a bad state, more likely just not as big as some people thought. And now ESL will lose CoD again. Its a good buy for Activision Blizzard. They had to use the ESL for every of their major esport title and that couldnt be what they wanted. With the MLG, they get the know how to run all their leagues (at least in US) by their own. And that are at least Heroes, Cardstone, SC II, Overwatch and CoD. They also got control over a Streaming Side (MLG Tv) that is in the US on 2nd place after twitch. On the bad thing. Blizzard is really known for run down tournaments and organisation. IPL... And also how they handle WCS, schedule later then late, handbooks MIA, missing information never gets spoken out, their esport coordinater like Kim often just dodge away for weeks. When Activision Blizzard runs MLG like their handled esports in their past, I dont see them doing well. And yeah, ESL just lost a major customer, on the long hand, ESL will lose all CoD, heroes, cardstone, SC II and Overwatch content in the USA. Even when some of these games have been money dump for Blizzard, Blizzard payed ESL for their service all the time. If Blizzard is even willing to invest into MLG, MLG could expand into Europe and thus hurting the ESL even more. Interesting times. I'm actually really sad, I went to MLG New Orleans a few months back to watch Dota 2 and not having them around anymore is gonna suck. Maybe Dreamhack will do well with their event in Austin and take over the NA eSports scene Even tho I think MLG will from now on focus only on Activision games, its likely that they keep CS:GO and Dota2 to expand the brand. Also CS:GO and Dota 2 are good tournaments for multi game weekenders to pull viewers to the venue. If they drop both games really fast, they show that they did not learn anything in the past years. | ||
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odaxium
United States356 Posts
All it seemed to be was a portal to player's individual streams, gamebattles and nothing much else | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
However, i highly suspect the new ATVI eSports subsidiary isn't too much concerned with SC2. They have much bigger games they want to feature and promote. On January 01 2016 11:50 Clonester wrote: Even tho I think MLG will from now on focus only on Activision games, its likely that they keep CS:GO and Dota2 to expand the brand. i'd be shocked if anything ATVI owns will promote anything not made by ATVI studios. Dota2 and CS:GO are as good as gone. it'll be interesting to see if this impacts the ATVI stock price in any way. i doubt it will. | ||
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geokilla
Canada8224 Posts
On January 01 2016 10:55 Solar424 wrote: Another eSports company bites the dust...soon ESL and Dreamhack will be all that's left in the West aside from developers with their first party events (LCS, WCS, CS:GO/Dota Majors) Except ESL and Dreamhack aren't doing too well either. Wouldn't be surprised if they go belly up in the next year or two. | ||
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Larkin
United Kingdom7161 Posts
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
On January 01 2016 12:31 geokilla wrote: So Blizzard bought IPL/IGN and nothing much happened. I guess we can expect the same with MLG. ATVI and Blizzard are two totally different things. | ||
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Pursuit_
United States1330 Posts
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20-Minute-Jackal
United States336 Posts
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digmouse
China6327 Posts
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RevTiberius
Canada353 Posts
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Ansibled
United Kingdom9872 Posts
On January 01 2016 13:19 RevTiberius wrote: This is total bullshit.. Even less competition... Game going down the toilet... Quit now while u still can... um... what? | ||
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ilikeredheads
Canada1995 Posts
That's all I remembered from Sundance. He wasn't exactly good at his job. I am surprised Blizzard actually spent that much to acquire MLG's assets. | ||
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TheWinks
United States572 Posts
On January 01 2016 12:31 geokilla wrote: So Blizzard bought IPL/IGN and nothing much happened. I guess we can expect the same with MLG. IPL imploded and Blizzard bought up the pieces. MLG still has an existing structure. Without more information it's an apples to oranges comparison I think. | ||
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sc2chronic
United States777 Posts
On January 01 2016 12:31 geokilla wrote: So Blizzard bought IPL/IGN and nothing much happened. I guess we can expect the same with MLG. Except ESL and Dreamhack aren't doing too well either. Wouldn't be surprised if they go belly up in the next year or two. IPL was pretty good for a while. i think with the way WCS is now the new MLG will last longer than IPL did. | ||
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Thouhastmail
Korea (North)876 Posts
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Tien Vu
184 Posts
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TheTenthDoc
United States9561 Posts
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20-Minute-Jackal
United States336 Posts
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BigRedDog
461 Posts
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Taf the Ghost
United States11751 Posts
I also get the distinct feeling they'll not be using the MLG.tv stuff. The Sale Price seems too low for buying up tech you're going to keep using. | ||
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klipik12
United States241 Posts
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TheWinks
United States572 Posts
On January 01 2016 14:33 20-Minute-Jackal wrote: Blizard didn't buy MLG, they bought their assets. MLG is basically gutted, I don't think they can run a tournament at this point, so no, we still won't be seeing SC2 at an MLG. SC2 will be at whatever Blizzard intends with the MLG assets. MLG still has a number of tournaments planned at this point, including at least one Halo 5 marketing tournament from Microsoft. | ||
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nadafanboy42
Netherlands209 Posts
MLG looks to me like one of those trailblazers that crashes because they get overtaken by developments. Streaming is the case in point. MLG had their own streaming set-up because when they started there was no twitch. But then twitch appeared and left them in the dust. I'm guessing they could've save a lot of money a lot quicker if they just worked through twitch (isn't that what ESL does?), it seemed like they were too wedded to their own platform at that point. But we should give them props for already being out there and streaming tournaments when the technology was still in its infancy. I wonder what's going to happen now. It looks like MLG is basically going the way of IPL, literally, with the whole brand just disappearing. But is Blizzard going to do something actually MLG-like, with a pro-circuit and everything, or are they just bolstering what they're already doing? Man, I really want DJWheat to bring the band back together now and have a final interview with Sundance on what all happened. I bet it'd be epic.  | ||
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ejozl
Denmark3340 Posts
Can we please have Axslav back also ?  | ||
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neptunusfisk
2286 Posts
On January 01 2016 11:22 deth2munkies wrote: Let's be real, MLG went all in on CoD and failed. ESL got CoD World Championships and that was the nail in the coffin. Honestly, I skipped an MLG that was within 4 hours of me for the first time this year because I just didn't care enough to go. I didn't care about SF5, didn't care about CoD, didn't care about Halo, and only somewhat cared about Smash Bros. Riot pulling LoL, Halo losing its audience, SC2 losing most of its audience, and losing CoD to ESL, it's hard to think why MLG was even still in it. The CSGO shift was too little, too late. That said, I always took them existing for granted and they were a recognizable brand. It's sad to see them go. Four hours is close in the usa? | ||
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Dismay
United States1180 Posts
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TheWinks
United States572 Posts
Four hours of driving at mostly freeway speeds (65-80 mph), yeah. | ||
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jmbthirteen
United States10734 Posts
On January 01 2016 14:33 20-Minute-Jackal wrote: Blizard didn't buy MLG, they bought their assets. MLG is basically gutted, I don't think they can run a tournament at this point, so no, we still won't be seeing SC2 at an MLG. SC2 will be at whatever Blizzard intends with the MLG assets. Blizzard didn't buy MLG. Activision bought MLG. This was CoD based imo. Sespo and Puckett going to Activision a few months back shows it | ||
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20-Minute-Jackal
United States336 Posts
On January 01 2016 15:39 jmbthirteen wrote: Blizzard didn't buy MLG. Activision bought MLG. This was CoD based imo. Sespo and Puckett going to Activision a few months back shows it Nobody bought MLG, at all. MLG is still its own entity. What was sold was MLG's assets, not the entire corporation and name rights. | ||
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Noonius
Estonia17413 Posts
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lestye
United States4149 Posts
On January 01 2016 14:33 20-Minute-Jackal wrote: Blizard didn't buy MLG, they bought their assets. MLG is basically gutted, I don't think they can run a tournament at this point, so no, we still won't be seeing SC2 at an MLG. SC2 will be at whatever Blizzard intends with the MLG assets. Appparently they're running the 2016 CS:GO Major. Anyway, I wonder what the deal of MLG is. Like ESL and and Dreamhack are constantly expanding, doing crazy shit, and MLG seemed like it was taking the backseat. I heard they had an MLG Brazil and and arena opening up in China, but ultimately went everywhere. It felt like there was a year or two where they had a shell of their wonderful circuit system. Anyway, this is probably all Activision proper. They've basically subsidize MLG's entire business the last few years, this is probably them cutting out the middle man. It'd be nice to flex to see more money and events for the Blizzard games I like. Ultimately it comes down to what this new Esports Division for Activision Blizzard wants to do, ESL has some exclusivity with COD so I wonder what's gonna happen. | ||
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digmouse
China6327 Posts
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Integra
Sweden5626 Posts
This obviously is Activision, and not Blizzard, wanting to get hold of MLG's technology. It's cheap as hell money wise, for Activision at least, remember that they bought another company for 5 billion earlier this year... 46 million is like a waterdrop in the sea. I give MLG another half a year before they vanish completely. EDIT: I don't think for a second that this is done because Activision Blizzard are making some kind of "push" or investment into tournament streaming online, if they did they would invest more than 46 million... | ||
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Cricketer12
United States13969 Posts
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Antisocialmunky
United States5912 Posts
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LongShot27
United States2084 Posts
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y0su
Finland7871 Posts
On January 01 2016 17:06 LongShot27 wrote: I legitimately didn't think MLG still existed. I was surprised same... a bit surprised about what their assets were worth too! | ||
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HolydaKing
21254 Posts
On January 01 2016 16:54 Cricketer12 wrote: Stopped caring about MLG in 2012, doubt it will get better with this though Same... and to some people saying ESL isn't doing well, I wonder if they have some proof. I thought it looked like ESL was getting bigger and bigger last year. I also don't watch their big viewership hits (CS:GO and I think also LoL), though. And if you only watch SC2 like me, then I can imagine you'd think they're not doing so well, but looking at their other games' tournaments it's looking great for them I thought. | ||
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LongShot27
United States2084 Posts
On January 01 2016 17:45 HolydaKing wrote: Same... and to some people saying ESL isn't doing well, I wonder if they have some proof. I thought it looked like ESL was getting bigger and bigger last year. I also don't watch their big viewership hits (CS:GO and I think also LoL), though. And if you only watch SC2 like me, then I can imagine you'd think they're not doing so well, but looking at their other games' tournaments it's looking great for them I thought. E-sports in general are not doing as well as people had hoped. I wouldn't say they are doing poorly in any way. But people really predicted an explosion this decade that really hasn't materialized yet. | ||
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TheWinks
United States572 Posts
On January 01 2016 16:06 digmouse wrote: They did not buy MLG as a company, they bought MLG assets, the original MLG company still exists, albeit that doesn't mean anything any more. The original MLG company is being renamed to 'MLG Legacy Holdings' as per the agreement. It's possible they sold the branding too. Without more details we can't really understand what's going on. MLG had two bigger events planned, a CS:GO major and the American quals for the Halo World Championship. | ||
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beheamoth
44 Posts
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Topdoller
United Kingdom3860 Posts
I still cant see what Blizzard is trying to achieve with the purchase, unless its to umbrella Overwatch and Heathstone. Starcraft 2 is almost dead in the USA player wise, so i cant see any quality tournaments happening for SC2 scene | ||
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y0su
Finland7871 Posts
On January 01 2016 18:59 Topdoller wrote: Never been impressed by MLG, they dump games on the drop of a hat rather than try to build up the franchise. I still cant see what Blizzard is trying to achieve with the purchase, unless its to umbrella Overwatch and Heathstone. Starcraft 2 is almost dead in the USA player wise, so i cant see any quality tournaments happening for SC2 scene A. assets. They didn't buy "MLG". They purchased assets. I don't know what all that entails but they do B. it was an activision-blizzard purchase. This could very well be more for Activision. Or.. Blizzard wants to run Blizzcon twice a year with one event closer to the east coast. | ||
BisuDagger
Bisutopia19214 Posts
On January 01 2016 18:05 LongShot27 wrote: E-sports in general are not doing as well as people had hoped. I wouldn't say they are doing poorly in any way. But people really predicted an explosion this decade that really hasn't materialized yet. I feel like that statement is extremely naive. You should do research and get informed with the many successes Esports has had this decade. Here's a starting point, multiple games earning spots on ESPN is a pretty big deal. | ||
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shid0x
Korea (South)5014 Posts
what blizz | ||
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y0su
Finland7871 Posts
On January 01 2016 19:38 shid0x wrote: lol buying a sinking and dirty ship. what blizz no, they bought the goods from the ship.. | ||
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Noocta
France12578 Posts
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aRyuujin
United States5049 Posts
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Penev
28463 Posts
If you wait too long Ansibled, you won't be able to quit at all! D: I wonder what exactly those "MLG assets" are btw. | ||
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Cricketer12
United States13969 Posts
On January 01 2016 19:22 y0su wrote: A. assets. They didn't buy "MLG". They purchased assets. I don't know what all that entails but they do B. it was an activision-blizzard purchase. This could very well be more for Activision. Or.. Blizzard wants to run Blizzcon twice a year with one event closer to the east coast. If its Blizzcon East, I sure as hell am not complaining | ||
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digmouse
China6327 Posts
On January 01 2016 20:20 aRyuujin wrote: I wonder how much of this is for blizzard games and how much is for call of duty... It is hard to say, ESL is supposed to be doing COD World League for them, then there is a possibility this is mainly for Blizzard games since other than CoD Activision has no other esports titles. | ||
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y0su
Finland7871 Posts
On January 01 2016 20:31 Cricketer12 wrote: If its Blizzcon East, I sure as hell am not complaining It's a long shot but I like to try to see the potential :D | ||
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Topdoller
United Kingdom3860 Posts
On January 01 2016 19:22 y0su wrote: A. assets. They didn't buy "MLG". They purchased assets. I don't know what all that entails but they do B. it was an activision-blizzard purchase. This could very well be more for Activision. Or.. Blizzard wants to run Blizzcon twice a year with one event closer to the east coast. Read what i posted. I never said they bought MLG, i just commented on MLG in general and its inability to support a brand or scene to develop the market. My second comment was based on what content Blizzard are trying to promote with their newly purchased assets, which as far as SC2 goes would take some doing in that the USA scene is almost dead. Hearthstone and Overwatch which as far as i can tell in the USA are far more popular and look much more promising. | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
Kotick is great at acquisitions. | ||
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ilikeredheads
Canada1995 Posts
On January 01 2016 19:38 shid0x wrote: lol buying a sinking and dirty ship. what blizz more like they bought what was on the ship and gutted everything that still has value. | ||
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BreAKerTV
Taiwan1658 Posts
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Makro
France16890 Posts
On January 01 2016 23:04 JimmyJRaynor wrote: Kotick is a big fan of buying existing stuff he does it every time he enters a new market area. Kotick is great at acquisitions. true they want a part of the cake what a bizarre way for MLG to end as we knew it, too bad | ||
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b0rt_
Norway931 Posts
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Dingodile
4133 Posts
Like if Nike stops to support Football-clubs and focus more on Balett-clubs. | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
Activision was laying at hte bottom of the ocean being picked over by deep sea fish. How did that go? | ||
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OtherWorld
France17333 Posts
On January 01 2016 12:31 geokilla wrote: So Blizzard bought IPL/IGN and nothing much happened. I guess we can expect the same with MLG. Except ESL and Dreamhack aren't doing too well either. Wouldn't be surprised if they go belly up in the next year or two. Is eSports ded sport?^^ | ||
Heyoka
Katowice25012 Posts
On January 01 2016 20:20 aRyuujin wrote: I wonder how much of this is for blizzard games and how much is for call of duty... Activision have been looking to do something on this scale for a while so I'd guess its largely for CoD stuff, with their new division being made with Sepso and that ESPN dude. More speculation than knowledge on my part but from what I can piece together I think it's mostly an Activision move. On January 01 2016 12:31 geokilla wrote: So Blizzard bought IPL/IGN and nothing much happened. I guess we can expect the same with MLG. Except ESL and Dreamhack aren't doing too well either. Wouldn't be surprised if they go belly up in the next year or two. haha what? According to who or what? ESL took over an entire block in Burbank and hired like 100 people in America this year and DreamHack more than doubled their office space and are doing events in NA in 2016 what are you even talking about? | ||
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Daswollvieh
5553 Posts
Doesn´t sound too bad. | ||
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goiflin
Canada1218 Posts
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Frankon
3054 Posts
On January 01 2016 11:50 Clonester wrote: Its a good buy for Activision Blizzard. They had to use the ESL for every of their major esport title and that couldnt be what they wanted. With the MLG, they get the know how to run all their leagues (at least in US) by their own Should i remind you of 2013 WCS qualifiers and actual event run by MLG? | ||
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Clonester
Germany2808 Posts
On January 02 2016 02:26 Frankon wrote: Should i remind you of 2013 WCS qualifiers and actual event run by MLG? Yeah but what do you want to say? Blizzard took over major parts "assets" of MLG and thus will controll it. It is much better for Activision Blizzard to run their Esport tournaments for their games by their own instead of paying a partner in doing it. They had to use the ESL for every game they had atm (CoD, Heroes, Cardstone, Overwatch and SC II) and now they do not have to use the ESL anymore. They got more control and dont have to pay a 3rd party. It is a good buy, even when MLG had issues in the past, they got their own Esport Brands soon under their full control, at least in the US. When they baught also the MLG player, they got a streaming plattform they could directly merge into Blizzard launcher and all games and call it Blizzard Player. They could even try to avoid twitch in that case and force even more control over their brands. | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
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Dingodile
4133 Posts
On January 02 2016 02:26 Frankon wrote: Should i remind you of 2013 WCS qualifiers and actual event run by MLG? rather blizz forced mlg to do wcs. mlg didnt want to because "the wcs 2013 plan" came too late if i remember correctly. | ||
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Tuczniak
1561 Posts
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oGoZenob
France1503 Posts
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FeyFey
Germany10114 Posts
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wishr
Russian Federation262 Posts
Big up! | ||
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usopsama
6502 Posts
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TelecoM
United States10666 Posts
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ZombieFrog
United States87 Posts
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DarkPlasmaBall
United States44052 Posts
On January 02 2016 08:22 usopsama wrote: Sundance is finally gone. I remember how he tried to convince everyone that "extended series" made sense, when it clearly did not. While that was certainly a bad idea, I like him overall :/ Sad day. | ||
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digmouse
China6327 Posts
ATVI purchased assets from MLG, which means they got MLG's equipment, studio and some if not the majority of their production personnel's contract, they did not purchase the company or the brand, they bought the things that MLG used to do MLG stuff to do ATVI's own stuff, that may or may not be Starcraft related. | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
On January 02 2016 15:01 digmouse wrote:they did not purchase the company or the brand, the agreement requires MLG to change their corporate name to 'MLG Legacy Holdings, Inc'. when Kotick acquires stuff he often likes to acquire the brand as well. it remains to be seen if ATVI can now use the MLG brand. if any one knows for sure feel free to jump in with some info please. On January 02 2016 15:01 digmouse wrote: Once again for people that don't understand this move: although many people in this thread are making basic errors regarding this deal it is a complex one and requires a lengthy and thorough examination to fully grasp it. the "carve out plan" is not finalized or even set up. also, because this is a single source story... it is being treated as a rumour by some. http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2016/01/01/what-it-means-if-activision-blizzard-is-really-buying-mlg-for-46m/ we'll probably have to wait until tuesday for the full results of this deal to come to light. normally, in a purchase like this ATVI and Kotick scream it from the rooftops in a press release. did it get leaked because ATVI has been negotiating with dozens of stakeholders? maybe. here is some independent confirmation also, according to Adam Apicella the CS:Go event in march is still going on as planned... i wonder if it'll be under the MLG brand? | ||
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20-Minute-Jackal
United States336 Posts
Sirscoots is still alive? I thought he died in the same car accident that claimed the lives of Day[9], djwheat, and JP McDaniel back in the winter of O'12. | ||
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icydergosu
528 Posts
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RvB
Netherlands6196 Posts
On January 02 2016 15:01 digmouse wrote: Once again for people that don't understand this move: ATVI purchased assets from MLG, which means they got MLG's equipment, studio and some if not the majority of their production personnel's contract, they did not purchase the company or the brand, they bought the things that MLG used to do MLG stuff to do ATVI's own stuff, that may or may not be Starcraft related. Brand name is an intangible asset like goodwill for example. You can buy it. | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
late 70s and early 80s good will. there was nothing else left. | ||
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Lonyo
United Kingdom3884 Posts
On January 02 2016 21:23 RvB wrote: Brand name is an intangible asset like goodwill for example. You can buy it. Indeed. It would probably be that some of the things they didn't buy were things like MLG TV, Gamebattles, the user database, the forums, the store and any inventory etc. Things that wouldn't really fit with them since they are duplicates or focus on unrelated games. Or if they did buy MLG.tv it might signal a move from Twitch to get more control. It would be interesting to see if they did get and do stick with the MLG name or not. In would make some sense in a way, but in others it moves away from the Activision/Blizzard brands so in that sense it doesn't make much sense. | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
On January 03 2016 08:17 Lonyo wrote: Indeed. It would probably be that some of the things they didn't buy were things like MLG TV, Gamebattles, the user database, the forums, the store and any inventory etc. Things that wouldn't really fit with them since they are duplicates or focus on unrelated games. Or if they did buy MLG.tv it might signal a move from Twitch to get more control. It would be interesting to see if they did get and do stick with the MLG name or not. In would make some sense in a way, but in others it moves away from the Activision/Blizzard brands so in that sense it doesn't make much sense. Bornstein, Kotick and Sepso have indicated this 3rd ATVI subsidiary is on par with the other 2 subsidiaries. So this 3rd subsidiary having its own distinct brand and name like "Activision" or "Blizzard" is not out of the realm of possibility. In fact, if the 3rd subsidiary is not named MLG then ATVI will probably give it its own name and brand and logo. | ||
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IcemanAsi
Israel681 Posts
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goody153
44070 Posts
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Sapphire.lux
Romania2620 Posts
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
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SetGuitarsToKill
Canada28396 Posts
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160104006485/en | ||
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amazingxkcd
GRAND OLD AMERICA16375 Posts
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Ansibled
United Kingdom9872 Posts
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chipmonklord17
United States11944 Posts
On January 05 2016 08:52 Ansibled wrote: I think ESPN wants to do that too. Perfect, competition will work wonders for the scene | ||
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pure.Wasted
Canada4701 Posts
On January 05 2016 08:13 amazingxkcd wrote: https://twitter.com/Slasher/status/684150561067921410 If Bobby Kotick wasn't literally Satan, I'd even dare to get my hopes up. | ||
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A_needle_jog
Korea (South)699 Posts
On January 05 2016 09:06 pure.Wasted wrote: If Bobby Kotick wasn't literally Satan, I'd even dare to get my hopes up. ![[image loading]](http://www.omega-level.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/kotick.jpg) | ||
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Clonester
Germany2808 Posts
"Together, we will create new ways to celebrate players and their unique skills, dedication and commitment to gaming. We are excited to add Sundance and the entire MLG esports team to our competitive gaming initiatives." Looks like it wasnt just some "assets", but the complete buisness. They will add Sundance and the whole MLG esport team. MLG TV. Live streaming capabilites. It is not just taking over "assets", it like taking over everything, the new "MLG limited whatever" (or how they are forced to rename) will just live as long as you need to kill the company and get rid of the shareholders. MLG will be a direct part of Activision Blizzard, no matter the details of the deal created by the suits to avoid paying too much, MLG will held the CS:GO Major in Columbos while being a part of Activision Blizzard. Could be good news, when Blizzard will actually form a new MLG tour, they will likely pick up all 4 Blizzard Esport games + CoD (Activision game) + CSGO (most popular game without retarded owner, yes I mean you Riot). When they held multi-games-Events its very likely that they will pick up Starcraft more often (WCS Circuit events tho :/ ) and maybe use MLG for the american WCS Champion Event as also Qualifier. Oh and yeah, Blizzard will attack Twitch with this deal and could even try to get away from it. | ||
lichter
1001 YEARS KESPAJAIL22272 Posts
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
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20-Minute-Jackal
United States336 Posts
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5
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
On January 05 2016 09:06 pure.Wasted wrote: If Bobby Kotick wasn't literally Satan, I'd even dare to get my hopes up. Since its inception in 2008 ATVI led the pack with longer development timelines for its big franchises resulting in higher quality games, long term profit and incredible brand strength. why don't you pick urself up a copy of C&C: Ultimate Edition or AoE3 and play some multiplayer ladder and lemme know how it goes. ATVI has found a way to make a "AAA" level RTS game profitable, sustainable and supportable when no one else has. GO BOBBY GO! On January 05 2016 12:24 20-Minute-Jackal wrote: I'm not going to hold my breath that Activision Blizzard is going to create a successful "ESPN of e-sports" judging by their previous track record of handling e-sports, and recruiting a bunch of experienced e-sports organizers from the failed MLG corporation isn't going to help much in that regard. MLG was floundering before the buyout, that's why they sold themselves to Activision Blizzard, so I really don't trust anyone from either company to know how to manage an e-sports organization. Kotick acquired Activision in 1991 when the only developers left made text adventure games like Zork and Planetfall. How'd that go? Sundance's dreams of MLG offices in NYC skyscrapers will end when he has to answer to Sepso and Bornstein. Because Sundance will have to answer to those two ATVI guys he'll either make MLG profitable or get fired. i wonder if Sundance will be reporting directly to Chris Puckett? . what a LOL that would be.  | ||
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Integra
Sweden5626 Posts
Wonder what they expect to build though E-sports wise. Are they literally going to invest a couple hundred millions and really expand the e-sport scene or just try to mainstream everything trying to make the same content, only cheaper thus kicking staff. Both strategies will make ActivisionBlizzard more money. | ||
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lestye
United States4149 Posts
On January 05 2016 12:30 JimmyJRaynor wrote: does this mean ATVI's new 3rd subsidiary will be called "MLG" ? Since its inception in 2008 ATVI led the pack with longer development timelines for its big franchises resulting in higher quality games, long term profit and incredible brand strength. why don't you pick urself up a copy of C&C: Ultimate Edition or AoE3 and play some multiplayer ladder and lemme know how it goes. ATVI has found a way to make a "AAA" level RTS game profitable, sustainable and supportable when no one else has. GO BOBBY GO! I don't think Activision is like HALF as evil as EA or Ubisoft, but they have fucked up series/brands royally before. Like you said, the average life expectancy of an EA RTS is like 2-3 years for the online servers. Tony Hawk and Guitar Hero are series they were at the top of the world with, and they just fucked it up beyond repair. Also they're meddling with Destiny's development was really poor, but I think with the last expansion they've gained some rapport back. Back on topic, I wonder what what their real goal is? You don't need MLG to be an ESPN, you'd need MLG to be an NFL. If its' more corporate money for SC2 events, that'd be great, I hope they wont try to force mlg.tv down our throats though. I liked MLG but I didn't like how MLG tried so hard to separate from Twitch. | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
On January 06 2016 01:55 lestye wrote: I don't think Activision is like HALF as evil as EA or Ubisoft, ....Like you said, the average life expectancy of an EA RTS is like 2-3 years for the online servers.... this isn't an ATVI v. EA comment; its ATVI versus the world..it is not ATVI versus the EA straw-man. its ATVI's investment in RTS versus every other publisher on the face of god's green earth. | ||
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pure.Wasted
Canada4701 Posts
On January 06 2016 05:40 JimmyJRaynor wrote: i'd like to see MLG.tv become a legit competitor to Twitch.tv. this isn't an ATVI v. EA comment; its ATVI versus the world..it is not ATVI versus the EA straw-man. its ATVI's investment in RTS versus every other publisher on the face of god's green earth. You're talking about a man who dropped Brutal Legend explicitly because it couldn't be "exploited every year on every platform." Does that sound like something you want mixing with your SC2? Every year a new expansion for SC2, with one new unit added per race? For the low low price of $60? But in reality I think SC2 is too small to be on Bobby Kotick's radar. Despite my jabs at the guy, I don't think this will affect us in any way. | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
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iloveav
Poland1478 Posts
On January 01 2016 11:08 T.O.P. wrote: That's not bad. I can't believe MLG is worth 46 million. I always thought those investors were going to lose everything. Its a brand purchase, same as apple buying beats. MLG did some good stuff in the past. | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
Crane, Whitehead, and Kaplan had god-like reputations for what they could make the Atari 2600 do. Kotick wanted that "rub". If its one thing Kotick knows how to do... its acquire existing brands. i'm sure he knows what he is doing with this move to acquire the MLG brand. the impression you get from the Kotick critics in this thread is that Activision was some kind of high-flying super machine in 1991 pumping out the greatest games ever made. Nothing could be further from the truth. Kotick resurrected Activision from the ashes of the 1990 Recession. Bob Kotick: Game Publisher Hero | ||
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lestye
United States4149 Posts
On January 06 2016 05:40 JimmyJRaynor wrote: i'd like to see MLG.tv become a legit competitor to Twitch.tv. this isn't an ATVI v. EA comment; its ATVI versus the world..it is not ATVI versus the EA straw-man. its ATVI's investment in RTS versus every other publisher on the face of god's green earth. idk, ideally I would like a competitor to Twitch, but I wonder if it's even possible. I think they're kinda like Youtube at the point. No studio on Earth would be stupid to have a trailer/movie content exclusively on another website like dailymotion (for the sake of argument) liveleak, it just destroys the exposure you'd get. And I think that's the case with esports as well. And so far ATVI has put way more effort into RTS than any other publisher on Earth, which was my point. | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
so the claim in this article is that investors are happy with the MLG acquisition and as a result ATVI stock price rose. On January 06 2016 06:28 pure.Wasted wrote: But in reality I think SC2 is too small to be on Bobby Kotick's radar. Despite my jabs at the guy, I don't think this will affect us in any way. your speculation is off the mark here unless you are going to claim "Kotick's radar" is a meaningless phrase. all these new pricing schemes and pre-order bonuses have ATVI fingerprints all over them. in fact, every revenue model is all ATVI, all the way. ATVI considers SC to be one of its 8 most important IPs on their Investor Relations page. Kotick is well aware of every single word in the Investor Relations page. The guy is acutely image conscious. so ya SC is on his radar and ATVIs radar. | ||
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lestye
United States4149 Posts
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Advantageous
China1350 Posts
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16647 Posts
On January 07 2016 04:16 lestye wrote: You seem to be a huge fanboy, Jimmy. What did you think of his acting career? thanks for conceding. i'm happy the SC2 competitive ladder continues to get supported and the credit for that goes right to the top. ATVI stock has gone down since this announcement, but somehow ATVI got the message out that the stock went up due to this move. LOL. | ||
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drifterr
23 Posts
On January 07 2016 08:50 Advantageous wrote: Blizzard shouldve honestly just let MLG rot... MLG abandoned their biggest viewership when they decided to drop all PC games to focus on console... well overwatch will be launched for consoles too, so this move make sens for blizzard. they have a strong marketing channel which consists of a huge viewership who is the perfect audience for overwatch. also blizzard has the money to bring at least their pc titles back to mlg. | ||
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Doodsmack
United States7224 Posts
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y0su
Finland7871 Posts
I'm mostly curious how they'll use some of the property... | ||
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