FTC Challenges Microsoft's Layoffs Following Activision Acquisition

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has criticized Microsoft's recent layoffs, stating that they contradict the company's representations in the antitrust trial over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The FTC argues that the layoffs are inconsistent with Microsoft's claims that the two companies would operate independently post-merger, potentially impacting the agency's ability to obtain effective relief. Microsoft's gaming head Phil Spencer described the layoffs, affecting 1900 employees, as a "painful decision" following the company's acquisitions of Activision Blizzard and Zenimax.