Microsoft is in direct competition with Sony (XboxOne vs PS4). Also less less directly with Mac vs Windows, iOS+Android vs Windows Phone. I say less because this is about a physics engine used in games. XboxOne and PS4 are game machines where as those other platform have much broader interests.
If Microsoft either stops supporting non-MS platform or makes them 2nd class (new features first appear on MS platform) then yes, this is a huge problem.
Remember when EA bought Renderware back when tons of game studios were using it? GTA3 was written with it. Where is Renderware now?
It's certainly possible nothing will change but it's just as possible the glaring conflict of interest will influence things badly.
EA didn't buy Renderware, they bought Criterion largely for their games studio and just happened to get Renderware as part of the package. The later versions of Renderware were, uhm, not good products so it is just as well they weren't generally available.
Yes, and Sony produces games, and also entices developers to create exclusives. Those possibly use Havok and Sony may ask exclusives developers not to license it.
Nothing will change. Remember, the XBox One sports a Blu-ray drive, made by their archenemy Sony. (maybe not physically made by Sony, but most patents regarding Bluray are in Sony's hands)
If Microsoft either stops supporting non-MS platform or makes them 2nd class (new features first appear on MS platform) then yes, this is a huge problem.
Remember when EA bought Renderware back when tons of game studios were using it? GTA3 was written with it. Where is Renderware now?
It's certainly possible nothing will change but it's just as possible the glaring conflict of interest will influence things badly.