UK’s courts come down hard on Microsoft’s ABK merger, with more regulators looking to follow. Overwatch League teams in China befuddled by the lack of the game in their country, with global fans equally befuddled by their decision to keep the broadcast exclusive to Youtube. Also featured: Riot’s Virtual Pass, a mom’s burgeoning esports career, and Dota’s massive New Frontiers update.
Show Notes:
"The UK doesn’t want Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal, so what happens next?": https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/1/23702716/microsoft-activision-blizzard-uk-deal-what-happens-next
"This Mom Didn't Know She Was In A $250K Candy Crush Tournament, But She's Killing It": https://kotaku.com/candy-crush-competition-all-stars-2023-prizes-finals-1850353139
"Overwatch 2 community stumped as OWL stays on YouTube exclusively despite no streaming deal": https://www.dexerto.com/overwatch/overwatch-2-community-stumped-owl-stays-on-youtube-despite-no-streaming-deal-2118601/
"The New Frontiers Update": https://www.dota2.com/newfrontiers
"Riot Games reveals 'Virtual Pass' for LoL Worlds 2023 with digital and physical products": https://www.dexerto.com/league-of-legends/riot-games-reveals-virtual-pass-for-lol-worlds-2023-with-digital-and-physical-products-2119684/
Timestamps:
1:00 Microsoft & ABK merger blocked by UK regulator
7:15 Esports for mom
8:41 Chengdu Hunters
10:06 Overwatch League back to YouTube exclusive
12:06 Version 1 looking to leave the CDL
14:38 CoD Mobile signs with ESL for esports
16:19 Sony’s live service ambitions
28:48 DotA’s largest patch since 2015
48:27 Riot’s Worlds Virtual Pass
