Photo: Microsoft / Courtesy
Microsoft achieved a major legal victory by winning the trial that prevented the completion of his purchase of Activision. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, after hearing the arguments presented by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Microsoft, has decided to deny the regulator’s request to stop the operation. This ruling represents a significant milestone for Microsoft as it allows them to move forward with the acquisition of one of the largest video game companies in the world.
In her decision, Judge Corley emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to keep Call of Duty, one of Activision’s most successful franchises, on the PlayStation console for the next 10 years, on an equal footing with Xbox. This agreement ensures that PlayStation gamers can continue to enjoy the Call of Duty series without interruption.
Besides, Microsoft has committed to bringing the popular shooter franchise to Nintendo’s console, thus opening up new gaming opportunities for Nintendo Switch users.. This platform expansion will allow an even wider audience to access the Call of Duty experience.
The judge’s ruling also highlights that Microsoft intends to bring Activision content to other gaming platforms. This means that Activision’s games and intellectual properties could be available on different consoles and devices, giving consumers more choice. and fostering competition in the industry.
Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley upheld their decision, stating: “the Court finds that the FTC has failed to demonstrate the likelihood of prevailing in its claim that this particular vertical merger in this specific industry may substantially reduce competition. To the contrary, the evidence in the record points to greater consumer access to Call of Duty and other Activision content. Therefore, the motion for precautionary measure is denied.
This ruling represents a huge victory for Microsoft as it allows them to move forward with the acquisition of Activision and expand their presence in the video game industry.. Players on all platforms will benefit from this operation, as they will be able to enjoy the diversity of games and content that Microsoft and Activision have to offer.
implications
In addition to allowing Microsoft and Activision to continue steps toward the acquisition, this court ruling represents a significant boost for the tech giant. However, it is important to note that Microsoft is still facing an ongoing antitrust case filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Despite this hurdle, Judge Corley’s decision to deny the FTC’s request to stop the operation could set a favorable precedent for Microsoft in the antitrust case. The judge’s argument that the merger between Microsoft and Activision would not substantially reduce competition and would instead provide greater consumer access to Activision contentcould influence the final resolution of the case.
Judge Corley’s decision could strengthen Microsoft’s position and potentially lead to dismissal or even victory in the antitrust case. This would pave the way for Microsoft’s purchase of Activision to take place without major legal obstacles.
Although the antitrust case is still ongoing and its final outcome is yet to be determined, Judge Corley’s favorable decision gives Microsoft a more optimistic outlook on the case.
Keep reading:
– Microsoft buys Activision, the producer of Call of Duty, for 68.700 million
– They block Microsoft in the purchase of Activision Blizzard for $ 69,000 million: what happened
– Microsoft explained why the purchase of Activision will not represent a monopoly in the video game industry