The U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a formal complaint challenging Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, saying the deal could allow Microsoft to disadvantage competing game platforms and services if completed.
FTC cites risk of content withholding and other harms
The complaint argues that Activision Blizzard is one of the few developers producing high-quality titles across consoles, PCs and mobile devices, and that Microsoft would have both the means and incentive to use that content to harm rivals. The agency said Microsoft “can and will” withhold rivals’ access to content, and that the merger could let Microsoft manipulate Activision pricing, degrade game quality or player experience on competing consoles and services, change terms or timing of access to Activision content, or withhold content entirely—actions the FTC says would injure consumers.
Commission vote and dissent
The FTC’s complaint was authorized by a 3–1 vote. Commissioner Christine S. Wilson cast the sole dissenting vote.
Microsoft’s commitments on Call of Duty
Microsoft has announced an agreement to make Call of Duty available on Nintendo consoles if the merger is approved, and said it will continue to release Call of Duty on Steam with simultaneous launches on Xbox. The company also proposed a 10-year agreement to keep the franchise on PlayStation.
Sony’s response to the deal
Sony has criticized the merger, arguing it would reduce competition because Call of Duty is highly popular among PlayStation players. According to reporting cited by Microsoft, Sony deemed Microsoft’s 10-year offer “inadequate in many respects.”
