EU Hits Intel With $400 Million Antitrust Fine in Long-Running Computer Chip Case 

 01 September 2022, Berlin: Intel logo seen at the IFA electronics trade show. (dpa)
01 September 2022, Berlin: Intel logo seen at the IFA electronics trade show. (dpa)
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EU Hits Intel With $400 Million Antitrust Fine in Long-Running Computer Chip Case 

 01 September 2022, Berlin: Intel logo seen at the IFA electronics trade show. (dpa)
01 September 2022, Berlin: Intel logo seen at the IFA electronics trade show. (dpa)

European Union antitrust enforcers slapped Intel on Friday with a fresh $400 million fine in a long-running legal fight that the chipmaker appeared to have won last year.

The European Commission imposed the 376.4-million-euro fine after a court threw out an original 1.06-billion-euro penalty issued in 2009 over allegations that the Santa Clara, California-based company used illegal sales tactics to shut out smaller rival AMD.

The commission, the 27-nation bloc's top antitrust watchdog, accused Intel of abusing its dominant position in the global market for x86 microprocessors with a strategy to exclude rivals by using rebates and sales restrictions.

The EU’s General Court last year annulled the original decision, saying that the commission's analysis of the rebates didn't meet legal standards.

However, the court confirmed that the sales restrictions amounted to an abuse of Intel's dominant market position. It couldn't decide how the total fine could be divided up between the two offenses, leaving the commission to come up with a new number.

“The lower fine imposed by today’s decision reflects the narrower scope of the infringement compared to the 2009 Commission decision,” the EU watchdog said.

Intel's European press team didn't respond immediately to an email seeking comment.



Manga Productions to Publish 'Nioh 3' in MENA with Arabic Localization

“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)
“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)
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Manga Productions to Publish 'Nioh 3' in MENA with Arabic Localization

“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)
“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)

Manga Productions, a subsidiary of Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), announced on Tuesday its partnership with KOEI TECMO GAMES as the official publisher of the highly anticipated action title “Nioh 3” in the Middle East and North Africa region. The game is scheduled for a worldwide simultaneous launch in early 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Steam.

In a statement, Manga Production said “Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series, celebrated for its unique blend of Japanese mythology and intense combat. With over eight million units sold worldwide, the Nioh series has established itself as a global favorite.

This new installment adopts an open field environment and a new battle system that allows players to switch between the two fighting styles "Samurai" and "Ninja" in real time during combat.

As part of the collaboration, Manga Productions will lead the Arabic localization, marketing, and regional publishing efforts. In line with the company's mission to empower local talent, Manga Productions will involve Saudi creatives in the localization process, ensuring a culturally resonant and high-quality experience for Arabic-speaking players.

Manga Productions CEO Dr. Essam Bukhary said the launch of “Nioh 3” with Arabic support for gamers in the region is another step toward delivering world-class experiences while empowering Saudi talent throughout every stage of development.

“The trust we've earned from our global partners reflects Manga Productions' strong capabilities in publishing, distribution, and marketing, as well as our continued success in delivering high-quality, culturally relevant content to audiences across the region,” he stated.

Manga Productions and KOEI TECMO GAMES remain committed to delivering high-quality entertainment that reflects the growing passion and potential of the gaming community across the Middle East.

KOEI TECMO GAMES President and COO Hisashi Koinuma stressed: “After the positive reception of DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, we're excited to deepen our partnership with Manga Productions to bring Nioh 3 to Arabic-speaking audiences, fully localized and tailored to their expectations.”

Manga Productions Business Development and Content Licensing Director Eng. Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh said: “Following our collaboration on DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, which was praised for delivering an Arabic experience that felt original rather than translated, Nioh 3 is our next step in raising that standard.”

“We're committed to offering players a seamless, fully localized journey that feels like it was made for them from day one of the worldwide simultaneous launch,” he remarked.