gaming
FTC takes action against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision
The logos of the American multinational technology company Microsoft and the video game company Activision Blizzard. photo
© Andre M. Chang/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
It would probably be the largest takeover in the gaming industry – and is quite controversial. The American trade regulator now wants to stop Microsoft’s plans with an injunction.
The US trade regulator FTC wants to stop Microsoft’s takeover of video game provider Activision Blizzard with the help of an emergency judge’s decision. On Monday (local time), the FTC filed a request for an injunction in a federal court to prevent the conclusion of the approximately $ 69 billion (64 billion euro) deal. The FTC had already initiated legal action in December because of competition concerns. “We welcome the opportunity to present our case in court,” Microsoft executive Brad Smith told US media.
Microsoft and Activision Blizzard announced the controversial billion dollar deal in January 2022. The FTC believes that this would give Microsoft too much market power in the game console business like the Xbox. The takeover is also controversial outside of the United States. Britain’s antitrust watchdogs vetoed it in April. However, the EU competition watchdog approved the transaction last month subject to conditions. The Xbox group Microsoft wants to secure popular video games such as “Call of Duty”, “Overwatch” and “Candy Crush” with the acquisition.