Lawsuit By Gamers Claims There's Evidence That Microsoft Is Trying To Eliminate Sony From Market With Activision Blizzard Deal
There was a strategy memo sent internally that seems suspicious, though the email is from 2019.
So Microsoft has been secretly planning to put PlayStation out of business all along?
Well, that’s what a small group of gamers said. Not too long ago, 10 people came together to file an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft. The lawsuit argues that the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard could result in reduced competition or a monopoly. Initially dismissed due to insufficient evidence, the plaintiffs later submitted an amended lawsuit with redacted information and a strategy memo allegedly sent by Microsoft's head of Xbox game studios to the company's chief financial officer for Xbox. They claim this is evidence that Microsoft's bid for Activision Blizzard is intended to eliminate Sony (PlayStation) from the market.
UPDATE: A Microsoft rep shares a significant update to this. While they still can't divulge the contents of the email, they're able to now say that it was sent in 2019
That means that whatever anti-PlayStation sentiment/strategy it may contain preceded MS' offer for Activision https://t.co/HqbmfbjzD0
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) June 20, 2023
Microsoft has responded by stating that the email contents are from 2019, predating their offer for Activision Blizzard. The lawsuit is separate from Microsoft's defense against the US Federal Trade Commission's attempt to block the acquisition, with an evidentiary hearing involving notable figures from Microsoft, PlayStation, Bethesda, and Activision set to take place.
Related Articles
About the Author

Matthew “dinofries” D'Onofrio is a writer, content creator, podcaster and — most importantly — a gamer. With such a strong passion for video games and a severe case of FOMO, it's no surprise he always has his finger on the pulse of the gaming world. On the rare occasion Matt's away from a screen, you'll find him strumming away on his acoustic guitar or taking care of his cat Totoro.
Read Next
Phantasy Star Online 2: NGS Series Producer Kimura Talks Patch Schedule Cadence And The Future Of Creative Spaces
Players don’t need to worry about Creative Spaces eclipsing other content.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 3 months agoYou May Enjoy
Here’s How To File A Claim For Your Part Of That $245 Million Fortnite Settlement
The FTC is now notifying people that they may be eligible.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 week agoUpcoming Virtual Tabletop Platform Dungeon Full Dive Aims To Recreate The D&D Experience
There's a map builder, character editor, and crossplay with support for up to eight players.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 3 days agoWayfinder’s Next Update Includes Its First Ever Live Event And A Fight With The Highlands Fire Lord
Call of the Void arrives in October.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 2 days agoAlbion Online Announces Released Date For “Wild Blood” Update
New weapons, new open-world features, and more.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 week agoUbisoft Montreal Implements New Partial Return-To-The-Office Policy For Employees
This decision contradicts the company's earlier stance, when it expressed a desire for a hybrid working model.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 week agoHere's What You Need To Know About Warhaven, Nexon's New PvP Game That's Launching Today
You have a sword, but no bow...and no axe.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 week ago
Discussion (0)