While Microsoft is busy trying to convince the EU and global governmental regulatory authorities to greenlight the Microsoft Activision Blizzard deal, a band of 10 gamers lawyered up to sue Microsoft!
Gamers Sue Microsoft over Activision Blizzard Deal – Fail Miserably
Judge dismisses so-called gamers' lawsuit. "The Complaint does not plausibly allege the merger creates a reasonable probability of anticompetitive effects in any relevant market."https://t.co/Gu7v696MUZ
They have 20 days for a new try.
— Florian Mueller (@Florian4Gamers) March 21, 2023
The band of gamers tried to sue Microsoft over the Activision Blizzard deal back in 2022. They prepared a statement stating that Microsoft buying out Activision and Blizzard will kill competition in the industry. This would, in turn, give Xbox too much power and authority by controlling multiple IPs. According to their initial statement:
To foreclose rivals, limit output, reduce consumer choice, raise prices, and further inhibit competition”
And nearly a year later. The information was provided by FOSSPatnets on Twitter, and the courts have decided. The judge dismissed the gamers’ lawsuit as he pulled out the most logical ending statement to date.
He stated that it does not plausibly allege the merger creates a reasonable probability of anticompetitive effects in any relevant market. And to tie the knot, here’s what the judge said:
Why would Microsoft make Call of Duty exclusive to its platforms thus resulting in fewer games sold?” Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley said. “What is it about the console market or PC games market and Microsoft’s position in those markets that makes it plausible… Microsoft would take such steps?” – Judge Corley
But this ruling doesn’t really have a big impact in the grand scheme of things as the final decision still rests with regulatory authorities in UK, US, and Europe. Still, the judge gave his opinion on the matter.
So what do you think about this bizarre lawsuit where 10 gamers tried to sue Microsoft over their Activision Blizzard deal? Would it have made an impact on the acquisition deal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Stay tuned for more updates!