FTC tries to block Activision Blizzard deal again - and gets blocked
Does anyone else feel like the gaming industry is just spinning around in circles?
Ever since the reveal that Microsoft intended to buy Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard, not only have we seen others move to snatch up other big developers, but the likes of Sony have tried to stand in the way of the deal, claiming that it would create a meta of monopolisation in the industry. They're probably right, but that doesn't make the argument any less rich.
The catastrophic flopping that has come from the deal has waged on, though, and as only one final roadblock stands in the way of the buyout, a new contest has arisen.
The FTC tries to block Microsoft - again
Click to enlargeAfter Xbox won a court case against the FTC making a block on their purchase of Activision Blizzard, the company is now making an attempt to block the purchase on the grounds of antitrust concerns.
They asked for an order last night that would prevent the buyout for long enough that the deal itself would expire, leaving both companies with nothing.
"We're disappointed that the FTC is continuing to pursue what has become a demonstrably weak case, and we will oppose further efforts to delay the ability to move forward," said Microsoft president Brad Smith to Reuters.
It's a pretty bold move for the FTC - but it's come too late, as the judge who ruled the deal good to go in the US has swooped in to save the day.
The FTC's block has been blocked
Alright, guys, you've had your fun with the blocking now.
Shortly after the new block was issued by the FTC, Judge Corley, the judge who ruled in favour of the acquisition in the US, denied the request for an appeal.
The order has now gone to the 9th circuit for a decision on their end, and it's expected to go through, giving Microsoft a clear sprint to the finish line.
This is all getting a bit silly now, and as the complicated nature of the legalities of acquisition weighs heavy on our brains that just want to play video games, we're about ready for Microsoft to cross over and finally make the purchase. Please give us a rest.
