Some random-ass dude on Forbes (a.k.a. an "analyst") wrote a scathing post claiming that Microsoft's time is up, its Xbox division will be sold to "someone like Sony", and that Ballmer loses because Windows is about to fall off a cliff, et al. It's the ravings of a lunatic, and every (or every game journalist without an ounce of self-respect, in any case) is reporting on it as if his words have any credence whatsoever.
The Forbes contributor, Adam Hartung, is certainly going to become the center of attention in the next few hours—or days, depending on how slow the news cycle lasts this time around—should every other games blogger report on his predictions for what they aren't: credible.
“The entertainment division will be spun off, sold to someone like Sony or possibly Barnes & Noble, or dramatically reduced in size," he wrote. “Unable to make a profit it will increasingly be seen as a distraction to the battle for saving Windows – and Microsoft leadership has long shown they have no idea how to profitably grow this business unit.”
Hartung went on to say that because their products just isn't making enough money as it once used to (citation needed), it'll have to shutter its operations because the whole thing isn't sustainable. Never mind the fact that Windows Phone sported a 115% growth increase in 2012 compared to 2011 according to IDC data, or that the company's growth as a whole is expected to accelerate, according to much more credible analysts at UBS.
He wrote: “Failure is already inevitable. At this stage, not even a new CEO can save Microsoft. Game over. Ballmer loses. And if you keep your money invested in Microsoft it will disappear along with the company.”
Who gives a flying elephant fuck about statistics when we can just say "Game over. Ballmer loses," and call it a day and get a whole bunch of traffic hits from irate Xbox fans.
I just don't know, man. I don't know.