Report: FTC to review merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard

Immediately after Microsoft announced its acquisition deal of Activision Blizzard a few weeks ago, gaming enthusiasts everywhere expressed a whole host of opinions on it, some positive and some negative. On the positive side, since Activision Blizzard has faced several serious allegations, which involve everything from sexual assault to issues with crunch culture, many hope that Microsoft will keep the company’s leadership in check. After all, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer has earned plenty of goodwill from fans. On the other hand, this represents a major, blatant instance of corporate consolidation within the gaming industry, and some feel that Microsoft may have violated antitrust laws as a result. Well now, it looks like we may find out for sure. As shared by VGC, the US Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, will reportedly launch an antitrust review into the Activision Blizzard deal.

A recent report by Bloomberg relayed this news, and it received this information from an anonymous individual who apparently heard about the FTC’s intentions. Specifically, the deal will supposedly examine whether or not Microsoft’s acquisition will result in “unfair competition.” In this regard, Microsoft would likely come under more scrutiny if it decided to release Activision Blizzard’s IP exclusively on Xbox consoles.

Wait and see how it plays out

Spencer seems aware of both the social and legal complications that would result from this decision. He stated that he does not want to separate the communities of Activision Blizzard’s games from their platforms of choice. Normally, an investigation like this would also involve the Justice Department, but it will reportedly refrain from reviewing this case.

Whether or not this specific report regarding the FTC proves accurate, some kind of investigation or legal challenge to the merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard is practically inevitable. The deal will probably go through regardless, but it will still be interesting to see how things will play out.