Xin Lang Ke Ji·2025-11-26 07:35Core Points - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed for a preliminary injunction to block Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, citing potential harm to competition in various markets, including gaming consoles, subscription services, and cloud gaming [1][2] - The FTC argues that if the merger is completed, Microsoft’s Xbox could gain exclusive access to Activision's games, limiting access for competitors like Nintendo and Sony [1] - Microsoft disputes the FTC's claims, asserting that the acquisition would benefit players and game companies, and has proposed a legally binding agreement to provide the game "Call of Duty" to competitors for ten years [2] Group 1 - The FTC's hearing is expected to last five days, with key Microsoft executives, including Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty and Bethesda Softworks' senior vice president Pete Hines, testifying [1] - Microsoft’s legal representative argues that the merger would allow for broader access to Activision's games across multiple platforms, countering the FTC's concerns [1] - The FTC believes that the merger could lead to Microsoft having the ability and incentive to withhold or diminish Activision's content, thereby reducing competition in the gaming industry [2] Group 2 - The acquisition is noted as Microsoft's largest in history and the biggest in the gaming industry [2] - The outcome of the merger hinges on winning several antitrust lawsuits globally, with the U.S. being a critical battleground [2] - The hearing is set to continue until June 29, with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick also expected to testify [2]