Microsoft is prepared to fight FTC for approval of Activision Blizzard acquisition

Recently, it was reported that the FTC is considering filing a lawsuit to block Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In the days that followed, Microsoft reportedly offered Sony a ten-year deal to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation and is planning to make formal concessions in order to get regulators on its side. As a result, it seems the FTC's opinion on the deal has also changed. 

Microsoft will fight the FTC to acquire Activision Blizzard, according to a new report by Bloomberg, which cites a person familiar with the matter. This follows from a Politico report, claiming the FTC is considering a lawsuit. The company is planning to challenge anti-trust concerns surrounding its purchase of Activision Blizzard and is prepared to make assurances to regulators in order to get the deal approved, including a guarantee to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation for a long time to come.

It's unclear if Microsoft will make other assurances during talks with regulators, but the company has previously stated that it does not believe the acquisition will reduce competition in the video game industry. In fact, Microsoft's core argument is that it is ‘last place' in console market share and would still be behind Sony in console sales and active users should the deal go through.

The FTC has not yet filed a case, but according to another report from the New York Post, the FTC panel overlooking the deal is now leaning in favour of approving. If a lawsuit did end up being filed, it could push Microsoft's timeline to close the deal. Currently, the company expects to have everything in place by mid-2023, but depending on regulators, it could take longer.

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KitGuru Says: Do you think Microsoft's Activision Blizzard buyout will ultimately be approved or should regulators put a stop to it? 

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