FTC voted in December to block deal, which it says could violate antitrust laws by suppressing Microsoft Xbox competitors.
At the center of the dispute is Microsoft's rivalry with PlayStation maker Sony to secure popular Activision Blizzard franchises like the military shooter game Call of Duty.
The dispute could be a difficult test case for Biden-appointed FTC Chair Lina Khan, who has sought to strengthen enforcement of antitrust rules. The FTC voted 3-1 earlier in December to issue the complaint seeking to block the deal, with Khan and the two other Democratic commissioners voting in favor and the sole Republican voting against.
The FTC's suit describes top-selling franchises like Call of Duty as important because they develop a base of loyal users attached to their preferred console or streaming service. "Even with confidence in our case, we remain committed to creative solutions with regulators that will protect competition, consumers, and workers in the tech sector," said Microsoft's president, Brad Smith, in a statement Thursday."As we've learned from our lawsuits in the past, the door never closes on the opportunity to find an agreement that can benefit everyone.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Microsoft responds to FTC case seeking to block Activision Blizzard dealMicrosoft said for the third largest console maker to be buying a major gaming franchise would't overturn a competitive market. U.S. regulators don't agree.
Read more »
Microsoft presses FTC to approve Activision mergerThe FTC filed a lawsuit two weeks ago to block the deal.
Read more »
Microsoft set to battle FTC over $68.7 billion Activision Blizzard dealMicrosoft wants to buy Activision, the maker of hit video games like Call of Duty. Regulators oppose what could be the largest acquisition in the gaming industry.
Read more »
Microsoft Responds to FTC Suit Over Activision DealThe software giant filed court documents opposing the consumer-protection agency’s claims that the $75 billion transaction would harm competition in the videogame industry.
Read more »
Microsoft Will Fight FTC Over $68.7B Activision Blizzard DealAt the center of the dispute is Microsoft's rivalry with PlayStation-maker Sony to secure popular Activision Blizzard franchises like the military shooter game Call of Duty.
Read more »
Microsoft says three future Bethesda games will be Xbox-exclusiveCould Indiana Jones or Fallout be number three?
Read more »