"FTC Hearing Uncovers Gaming Data Trove in Microsoft/Activision Antitrust Case"

The antitrust hearings surrounding Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard have revealed new data, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) arguing that the merger would harm competition and consumers. Microsoft's market power and potential to undermine rivals, such as by pulling Activision Blizzard games from rival platforms, have been key points of contention. The FTC has scrutinized emails to determine Microsoft's true intentions, while Sony's concerns about losing Call of Duty have been highlighted. The fate of Call of Duty has been a central focus, with the judge emphasizing the impact on consumers rather than harm to Sony. The hearings have also revealed details about Sony's gaming investments and the financial success of games like The Last of Us Part 2 and Horizon Forbidden West. The outcome of the case remains uncertain, but Microsoft argues that regulators worldwide, except in the US and UK, have approved the deal.