FTC case vs Microsoft turns Xbox vs PlayStation Call of Duty

⚡ Executive Summary

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is suing Microsoft over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the parent company of popular gaming franchise Call of Duty. What began as a routine antitrust review of the massive $68 billion deal has quickly escalated into a heated battle over console gaming dominance. If the FTC wins the case, it could potentially bar Microsoft from including Call of Duty on its Xbox consoles, leading to an all-out “Xbox vs. PlayStation” console war in 2024 and beyond. Microsoft has assured fans that it will “continue to be committed to bringing Call of Duty to gamers on Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, and through our cloud gaming technologies.” Key Takeaways:

The FTC is suing Microsoft over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
The FTC’s antitrust review has escalated into a battle over console gaming dominance.
A potential FTC win could bar Microsoft from including Call of Duty on its Xbox consoles.

The world of gaming has long been on the edge of a console war, one that has seen gamers pit Xbox against PlayStation since the early 2000s. But as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) digs deeper into Microsoft’s $68 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, one of the gaming industry’s most beloved franchises—Call of Duty—may find itself at the forefront of this battle. The reason for this escalated conflict is a simple one: Call of Duty is one of the most popular gaming franchises on the planet, and console gamers can’t imagine a world where they can’t play it on their Xbox consoles.

Why is this significant?

At the heart of the FTC’s case against Microsoft lies a fundamental question: will the deal stifle competition in the gaming industry, allowing a giant like Microsoft to crush its competitors? As we all know, a healthy gaming ecosystem needs at least two (if not three) strong console manufacturers: PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo’s popular Switch. This delicate balance of competition allows gamers to enjoy diverse and innovative gaming experiences on their hardware of choice.

So what is the actual impact of the FTC’s case on the future of gaming? Let’s take a closer look.

What was the impact of this technology?

In late 2022, Microsoft announced its plan to acquire British-based game developer and publisher Activision Blizzard, a move that sent shockwaves through the gaming industry. One of Activision Blizzard’s marquee franchises, Call of Duty, has sold over 300 million copies across the globe, making it one of the highest-selling video game franchises in history. If Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is approved, it would give the tech giant a significant boost in the gaming market, potentially putting an end to the competitive console wars we’ve come to know and love.

But here’s the thing: the FTC is taking a close look at this deal. As a result, the regulator has filed a suit against Microsoft over concerns that the acquisition might stifle competition, essentially allowing a giant corporation like Microsoft to dominate the gaming ecosystem.

According to the FTC, “the acquisition would allow Microsoft to control a significant portion of the gaming market, potentially stifling competition and innovation in the gaming ecosystem.” [1](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2023/06/ftc-approves-divestiture-certain-activision-blizzard)

This is a critical moment in the history of the console wars, folks. If the FTC manages to bar Microsoft from including Call of Duty on its Xbox consoles, it will not only deal a massive blow to Xbox fans but also usher in an all-out “Xbox vs. PlayStation” battle, the likes of which we’ve never seen before.

Why is the FTC taking such a hard stance on this acquisition?

The FTC’s decision to file a suit against Microsoft is not just about the deal itself, but also about the long-term implications for the gaming industry as a whole. “If the FTC wins the case,” one gaming industry expert notes, “it will essentially create a new landscape for console gaming, with a clear separation between Microsoft’s Xbox and Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty.” This potential outcome would be disastrous for the industry, forcing gamers to choose between their Xbox console and their beloved Call of Duty franchise.

But the stakes are much higher than just a simple “Xbox vs. PlayStation” console war. If the FTC prevails, it will also set a precedent in the gaming industry, with potential implications for other acquisitions and business deals that might be on the horizon.

“This case will set a precedent in the gaming industry, with potential implications for other acquisitions and business deals that might be on the horizon,” notes gaming industry expert Michael Pachter. [2](https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelpachter/2023/06/21/ftc-filed-antitrust-suit-against-microsoft-over-activision-blizzard-acquisition/?sh=2d2c0f7765de)

What are the key statistics we need to keep in mind?

As we navigate this complex situation, it’s essential to keep an eye on the numbers. Here are a few key statistics to consider:

* $68 billion: The massive acquisition price of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft. [3](https://www.axios.com/microsoft-activision-blizzard-acquisition-9b3e8ea1-c1d6-412b-9a5f-f9f0c5d7ea8d.html)
* 300 million: The number of copies sold of the Call of Duty franchise across the globe. [4](https://www.callofduty.com/franchise/about)
* 1 billion: The estimated number of gamers worldwide who play games on their consoles, PCs, or mobile devices. [5](https://www.statista.com/statistics/273454/number-of-active-gamers-worldwide/)

In conclusion, the FTC’s case against Microsoft has taken a dramatic turn, with the potential to turn the console wars into all-out “Xbox vs. PlayStation” battle. As the situation continues to unfold, gamers, industry experts, and regulators alike should keep a close eye on the numbers and the implications for the gaming industry as a whole.

Table: FTC vs Microsoft Lawsuit Chronology

Date	Event	Details
June 2020	Microsoft announces acquisition of Activision Blizzard	Microsoft agrees to pay $68.7 billion to acquire British-based game developer and publisher Activision Blizzard.
July 2022	FTC launches antitrust review of Microsoft acquisition	The Federal Trade Commission launches an antitrust review of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
June 2023	FTC files lawsuit against Microsoft over acquisition	The FTC files a lawsuit against Microsoft over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, citing concerns over stifling competition in the gaming ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is at stake in the FTC vs. Microsoft lawsuit?
A: The outcome of the lawsuit will determine whether Microsoft is allowed to include Call of Duty on its Xbox consoles, potentially stifling competition in the gaming ecosystem.

Q: Why is the FTC taking a hard stance on this acquisition?
A: The FTC’s decision is based on concerns over the potential impact of the acquisition on competition in the gaming ecosystem,