• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Gameranx

Gameranx

Video Game News, Lists & Guides

  • News
  • Features
  • Platforms
    • Xbox Series X
    • PS5
    • Nintendo
  • Videos
  • Upcoming Games
  • Guides

Microsoft And FTC Pre-Trial Hearing Set For January 3rd

January 2, 2023 by Dennis Patrick

Get ready for a legal battle.

Microsoft has been making some big moves lately. After their acquisition of ZeniMax Media, which came with several development studios, the company made a new bid in 2022. We’re sure you’re all familiar with it by now, but Microsoft is looking to acquire Activision Blizzard. This is another notable company and one that would fetch nearly $70 billion if the deal goes through. Of course, it’s an uphill battle for Microsoft as they deal with regulators to even be able to go through with the purchase. One of the significant legal battles in an attempt to stop this acquisition from going through is set to have its pre-trial tomorrow.

The Federal Trade Commission, better known as simply the FTC, had thrown a lawsuit against Microsoft. According to the FTC, the Microsoft acquisition would gain control over a leading independent game studio. In their eyes, Microsoft would hurt the competition and make it challenging for Sony to fight back. This all stems from Call of Duty, a massively popular FPS franchise that has turned out countless units across multiple console platforms. Fortunately, Microsoft has made a few moves beforehand, showcasing that they are not looking to cease the immediate release of Call of Duty titles on competitor platforms.

Before the lawsuit announcement, Microsoft had unveiled that they were bringing out a ten-year contract deal. This contract would legally force Microsoft to release Call of Duty games to its competitors for a full decade. That should make it more than enough time for competitors like Sony to bring out a Call of Duty alternative for their platform if the IP should see its end on PlayStation. To further aid in this cause, both Nintendo and Valve’s Steam marketplace have signed a contract that would guarantee them Call of Duty games if the deal goes through.

This should be an exciting battle. If Microsoft acquires the company, we’ll likely see future and past Call of Duty games hit the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Likewise, it would mean Sony to start working on their own competitor FPS franchise to gain stable footing with a fan base by the time Microsoft’s ten-year contractual agreement comes to an end. Of course, this could also not go the way Microsoft hopes for and leave Activision Blizzard as an independent studio capable of releasing games on any platform.

Source

Share this post:

FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest

Recent Videos

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 - Before You Buy

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 - Before You Buy

10 Recent UNLOCKABLES That Pushed Players To Their LIMITS

10 Recent UNLOCKABLES That Pushed Players To Their LIMITS

10 Games That Turned Into MICROTRANSACTION HELLS

10 Games That Turned Into MICROTRANSACTION HELLS

10 GENIUS moments in Flop Games

10 GENIUS moments in Flop Games

10 Games That RUINED Single Player Games For Us

10 Games That RUINED Single Player Games For Us

20 LEGENDARY Games Worth Revisiting in 2025

20 LEGENDARY Games Worth Revisiting in 2025

CHEATER FINED $175000, RED DEAD ONLINE RETURNS? & MORE

CHEATER FINED $175000, RED DEAD ONLINE RETURNS? & MORE

What The HELL is GOING on With Xbox?

What The HELL is GOING on With Xbox?

10 LOCKED Areas Developers Didn't Think WE'D UNLOCK

10 LOCKED Areas Developers Didn't Think WE'D UNLOCK

Category: UpdatesTag: Activision Blizzard, Call of Duty, FTC, Microsoft

Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Is Roblox or Minecraft “Better” In 2025?
  • Roblox CEO Speaks Out On Game’s Future Features
  • The Director Behind The Cancelled The Last of Us Online Game Is Opening Up Their Studio
  • PlayStation Plus Game Catalog For July 2025 Officially Unveiled
  • Rare Will Showcase The Future of Sea of Thieves In Special Community Direct Presentation Tomorrow

Copyright © 2025 · Gameranx · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme