The FTC sued in an attempt to block the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially opposed the purchase of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft. The department is confident that the deal will allow Microsoft to harm competition in the gaming market.
The FTC pointed out that Microsoft has already tried to suppress competitors with the help of acquired companies. A striking example is the purchase of ZeniMax Media, after which Starfield and Redfall became exclusives of the Microsoft ecosystem. According to the FTC, this does not correspond to Microsoft’s words that it has no incentive not to release games on competing consoles.
Microsoft President Brad Smith told the media that the corporation is confident in its rightness and is ready to defend its interests in court. He was supported by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who stated in a letter to employees that he still believes in the success of the deal.
