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Google and Nvidia wade into Microsoft's Activision Blizzard buy

by on13 January 2023


Complains to the FTC 

Google and Nvidia have become the latest companies to voice concerns about Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard. 

Sony has been complaining that anything that might harm its market dominance is anti-trust, but Google and Nvidia wading in is a little unusual. 

According to Bloomberg, Google and Nvidia told the FTC that Microsoft could gain an unfair advantage from the deal in the cloud, subscription, and mobile gaming sectors if approved. 

While Nvidia isn’t strictly against the acquisition but wants to ensure equal and open access to game titles like Call of Duty.

The FTC will hold an in-house trial in August regarding the acquisition. Google, Nvidia, or Sony may be called to testify in the FTC’s trial. 

Any compromises that allow the deal to go ahead will likely include forcing Microsoft to keep access to the games open for at least a decade. Microsoft has expressed a willingness to do this, but it’s unclear what would happen afterwards. 

Call of Duty is the game most of Microsoft’s rivals will be most concerned about due to its popularity. Activision Blizzard owns many other top-rated titles, such as World of WarcraftCrash BandicootGuitar HeroStarCraftHearthstoneDiabloOverwatchCandy Crush Saga, and more. Hopefully, regulators can find a way to ensure the acquisition works for all the concerned parties.

 

Last modified on 13 January 2023
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