FTC Challenges Microsoft's Layoffs at Activision Amid Antitrust Concerns

The US Federal Trade Commission has criticized Microsoft's recent layoffs of 1,900 employees, including those from its newly acquired Activision unit, stating that it contradicts Microsoft's previous representations of maintaining independence post-merger. The FTC is seeking to temporarily pause the $74.5 billion buyout deal pending its antitrust judgment. Microsoft cited "areas of overlap" as the reason for the layoffs, impacting both Activision Blizzard and existing Microsoft roles. Meanwhile, there are reports of Microsoft considering bringing some of its games to PlayStation and Nintendo, although this has not been confirmed.