@alamias Deadlands is far and away my favorite TTRPG as far as a setting's flavor is concerned, and earlier editions ooze it with their character creation and magic systems.

There are certainly some careers where completely stepping away from day-to-day tasks only causes more of a headache on return from a vacation. I know that I monitor my email and engage with my customers when I'm out of the office, because some timelines are more sensitive than others and projects can't be left unattended. I could have somebody cover for me, yeah, but if they're not as intimately familiar with my customers as I am then it's only unnecessary frustration for the people who pay my bills.

@alamias Deadlands is far and away my favorite TTRPG as far as a setting's flavor is concerned, and earlier editions ooze it with their character creation and magic systems.

@ganymede DOOM development is moving along, and those problems with Bethesda predate the acquisition - not sure on the specifics of what they're doing as I don't much care for the Elder Scrolls these days. Ultimately, the acquisition of Activision Blizzard isn't as much about them bringing exciting new ideas as it is them fixing the systemic problems in the company, something they've done consistently with each of their acquisitions over the past decade or so.

@ganymede LinkedIn, GitHub, Mojang have all done incredibly well since being acquired. They've recently moved into healthcare through their acquisition of Nuance and that's a really promising enterprise once that deal closes.

As far as their own games, Gears is pretty solid (though slowing down in its old age), Forza is successful. Their biggest achievement (I'd say) in gaming is Game Pass, which again, is incredibly consumer-friendly.

@ganymede Bobby Kotick is meant to be stepping down after the acquisition settles, and I'm pretty sure Microsoft is savvy enough to navigate recent Activision Blizzard fires and get the ship righted. As far as Microsoft's own IP, they've been doing a stellar job of late - Game Pass is wildly successful and incredibly consumer-friendly, and Halo Infinite is probably the best title they've put out since Halo 3.

Companies acquired by Microsoft have a tendency to improve quickly and often dramatically.