FTC Chair Defends Decision to Side with Sony over Microsoft in Activision Blizzard Deal

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chair, Lina Khan, was questioned by the Committee on Energy and Commerce about Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Khan was unable to speak directly about the deal but shared some high-level thoughts on the FTC's goal. The FTC claims Microsoft being allowed to buy Activision Blizzard could create a scenario in which Microsoft could "suppress" competition on console and cloud-gaming. An evidentiary hearing is slated for August 2, 2023.