Microsoft's Response to FTC Complaint on Activision Layoffs: Pre-Planned Job Cuts and Antitrust Concerns

Microsoft responds to the FTC's complaint about layoffs in its gaming division, stating that Activision Blizzard was already planning job cuts even before the acquisition. The company's lawyers argue that the FTC's claims are incomplete and misleading, emphasizing that industry-wide job cuts were already occurring. Microsoft also highlights changes in the acquisition deal and a binding agreement with Sony regarding Call of Duty on PlayStation. The recent layoffs have impacted multiple Activision Blizzard studios, including Sledgehammer Games, Toys 4 Bob, and Blizzard, with the cancellation of an untitled survival game and over 100 reported job cuts.