Microsoft's Response To The FTC's Attempt To Stop The Activision Deal Accuses The Suit Of "Turning Antitrust On Its Head"
Needless to say, Microsoft isn't pulling any punches.
“The acquisition of a single game by the third-place console manufacturer cannot upend a highly competitive industry. That is particularly so when the manufacturer has made clear it will not withhold the game."
Pretty much sums it all up.
In Microsoft and Activision's reply to the FTC's previously filed suit to stop the acquisition, you can tell that both companies are getting pretty sick of what they view as the FTC buying Sony's complaints without looking at the big picture.
In the 37-page response to the FTC's suit, Microsoft supplies multiple graphics and additional context to point out that the Activision deal is very different to the Bethesda deal. Microsoft admits that, yes, it does plan to make some Bethesda titles exclusive, but it continues to call out loud and clear that they have no such plan to do the same with Activision titles. Microsoft calls out that just because Sony, a competitor, "has thus far refused to accept Xbox’s proposal does not justify blocking a transaction that will benefit consumers. Giving consumers high-quality content in more ways and at lower prices is what the antitrust laws are supposed to promote, not prevent.”
In a response to The Verge, even Bobby Kotick got into the reply game saying, "there is no sensible, legitimate reason for our transaction to be prevented from closing."
When it comes right down to it, this is an antitrust suit, something the FTC has every right (and obligation) to investigate and question. Microsoft doesn't see this suit as "normal procedure" though and instead claims that "the FTC ignores the significant benefits of the transaction in favor of a warped attempt to ignore the facts and rewrite antitrust law and settled precedent to protect Xbox’s competitors from hypothetical harm that has no basis in marketplace realities.”
One thing's for sure, things are going to get interesting.
Related Articles
- Overwatch 2 Director's Take Gives Overview For Buffs And Nerfs In Season 5: Tanks, One-Shots, And CC Getting Attention
- Activision Cease-And-Desist Notice Results In Call Of Duty Cheat Supplier, Mobius, Shutting Down
- Microsoft Might Pull Activision From The UK Get Around Activision Blizzard Acquisition Block
About the Author

Mike “Magicman” Byrne has been a part of the MMOBomb family for years and serves as the site’s current Editor-in-Chief. His love for MMOs and gaming in general has led him to covering games for numerous websites including Gamebreaker TV and XIV Nation where he proudly displays his fanboy flag for FFXIV:ARR.
Read Next
Finally, The Division 2 Is Launching On Steam As Ubisoft Returns To The Platform After Leaving Years Ago
Looks like that EGS exclusivity is over.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 5 months agoYou May Enjoy
The Division 2 Reaches Over 20 Million Players With Year 5 Season 1 Dropping Very Soon
The Year 5 Season 1 update, titled "Broken Wings," will be released on June 8.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 10 hours agoSouth Korea Approves Microsoft's Acquisition Of Activision Blizzard
The Korea Fair Trade Commission “unconditionally cleared” the deal, citing no concerns about potential competition restrictions.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 6 days agoStormhaven Studios Shifting Embers Adrift To Buy-To-Play Model
As long as someone owns the game, they can play through all the content without a sub, but with some restrictions.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 day agoElsword Creator KOG Announces Global Beta Test for New F2P Post-Apocalyptic Shooter "Return Alive"
Because we can never have enough shooters set in the apocalypse.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 4 days agoGet Ready, Tarisland’s Closed Beta Kicks Off In A Few Weeks
Well, that didn’t take long.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 day ago💣 Feature | Top 7 Most Complex MMORPGs You Can Play Now
If you're looking for an MMORPG game with a little more meat on the bones, this list should be for you.
By Troy Blackburn - 1 week ago
Discussion (0)