FTC Uncertain on Microsoft's Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has revealed in a findings of fact document that both Microsoft and Activision have acknowledged "large financial benefits" from bringing Activision content to Xbox Game Pass. However, Activision has been resistant to subscription services like Game Pass due to concerns about cannibalization of full game sales. Negotiations between Microsoft and Activision to bring Activision games to Game Pass failed in 2020, and Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has indicated that the company would consider joining a subscription service if the financial incentive was significant enough. The FTC's finalized findings of fact in the case have been filed but remain sealed for now. The decision on the preliminary injunction will be made by Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley.