Judge Denies Microsoft's Request To Pause Gamer Lawsuit

Microsoft’s request to pause the Activision Blizzard merger lawsuit has been denied by a judge. This lawsuit was made by a group of gamers who believe that the possible merger would harm competition. Axios reporter Stephen Totilo shared on Twitter that Microsoft wanted to stay the proceedings until after its Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suit.

California judge has denied Microsoft's request to stay (read: freeze) so-called gamer lawsuit intended to block Activision deal. MS wanted it held off until after FTC suit

Hearing on a preliminary injunction now scheduled for 3/23 after MS said deal wouldn't close before 3/31

— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) January 20, 2023

Judge Corley sided with the plaintiffs, however, and the preliminary hearing will take place on March 23. The lawsuit to prohibit the Activision Blizzard acquisition was filed in December of 2022 on the plaintiffs’ behalf by Alioto Law Firm and the Joseph Saveri Law Firm.

Then, last week a new filing of the plaintiffs’ opposition implied that if the merger were to go through before the plaintiffs' claims were heard, the case may become a class action suit later.