The reason they stopped buying Activision

resolution Microsoft to keep the games Bethesda Exclusivity is “strong evidence” against its takeover bid Activision BlizzardAccording to the US antitrust agency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTCabbreviated in English).

earlier this month, FTC In getting a temporary block on the $68.7 billion takeover bid from Activision Blizzard by Microsoft. Now, before the next hearing on the application FTC From a preliminary injunction, the FTC Provide more documentation on this issue.

In a new and heavily controlled performance, the FTC indicates acquisition Zenimex And Bethesda by Microsoft. The company stated that the decision Microsoft To provide exclusive games for Zenimex It is “strong evidence of exclusionary incentives”.

“Business Microsoft After its acquisition Zenimex In 2021 they speak louder than the defendants’ words,” the suit states.

“The defendants rely heavily on their concerns Microsoft About “irritating gamers” if it excludes competitors’ access to content Activision…But those same concerns didn’t stop the decision Zenimex“.

In simple terms, this advertisement is about FTC He argues that the precedent set by the earlier acquisition Zenimex And Bethesda by Microsoft It means that the company can make games Activision Blizzard on pads X-Box In the future.

this thing Microsoft It has repeatedly claimed that won’t happen, as the company has signed deals with companies like NintendoAnd steam And nvidia Trying to carry titles like Call of duty to a wider audience.

The offer went to tackle attempts Microsoft To satisfy the Agency, noting:

“The defendants are trying to discriminate Redfall And starfield to Call of duty Because these games do not have “great multiplayer gameplay” or lack “cross-platform game communities”.

However, he noted that this distinction “has no role in decision-making Zenimex to Microsoftwhich was applied to all future games for Zenimex“.

He went on to say:

“resolution Zenimex to Microsoft Strong evidence of incentives Microsoft Here and must cause this court to pause significantly when considering the defendants’ assertions thatMicrosoft intends to work Activision Similar to other recent acquisitions… “”.

In the UK, Microsoft is preparing its case for the Competition Appeals Tribunal, which has an initial start date of July 24th. Even if the judge takes sides MicrosoftThe decision remains to be reviewed by the Competition and Markets Authority.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Chief X-BoxPhil Spencer, said he was still hopeful the deal would finally go through, though he admitted it was getting “interest”.

via: Eurogamer