December 9, 2022
The Federal Trade Commission confirmed an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft, stating that its ongoing effort to procure video game publisher Activision Blizzard would breach U.S. law and that Microsoft had a legacy of hoarding useful gaming content.
“Microsoft has already shown that it can and will withhold content from its gaming rivals. Today, we seek to stop Microsoft from gaining control over a leading independent game studio and using it to harm competition in multiple dynamic and fast-growing gaming markets ” said Holly Vedova, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition.
In January, Microsoft announced plans to buy Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, with the acquisition expected to be completed by June 2023. Microsoft’s gaming competitors, such as Sony, have put pressure on the deal. Microsoft has repeatedly stated that if the deal is completed, it will not be the world’s leading gaming company, and it has vowed to provide popular Call of Duty games on gaming platforms other than those owned by Microsoft.
The FTC has scheduled an administrative law judge hearing for August 2023.
The sources for this piece include an article in Reuters.
