Microsoft's ongoing legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission has been revealing previously unknown information, including the possibility of Sony having an actual PlayStation 5 Slim console. Adding to the intrigue, it seems that Microsoft may have unintentionally revealed its pricing model and release window. Despite Microsoft's attempts to appease Sony, they have been largely unsuccessful, as Xbox now finds itself legally defending its acquisition of Activision Blizzard due to the FTC's request for a preliminary injunction. While numerous governments have approved Microsoft's acquisition, the FTC in the United States has chosen to challenge it with an antitrust argument that has led to a court battle.
Unsurprisingly, Microsoft has shown little enthusiasm towards the ongoing developments, and as part of its legal argumentation, the company has inadvertently revealed a wealth of crucial information pertaining to Xbox, PlayStation, and Sony. Among the most noteworthy of these leaks is Microsoft's latest assertion that Sony has already prepared a PS5 Slim for a launch later in 2023. This revelation is indicative of PlayStation's potentially aggressive sales strategy for the remainder of the year, given that the speculated price for the device stands at a reduced $399. Interestingly, this would position the PS5 Slim within the same price range as the regular Digital Edition of the PS5, resulting in a peculiar yet promising scenario that is expected to fuel further sales for Sony.
It's important to note that the potential existence of a PS5 Slim is not the most significant revelation in the FTC v. Microsoft case. Both Xbox and PlayStation have fully disclosed their information for the injunction hearing, turning what was supposed to be a straightforward business deal into a major legal battle. In addition, Canada has also voiced its opposition to the Activision Blizzard acquisition, with the Canadian Regulatory Bureau pointing out discrepancies in Microsoft's court documents. Microsoft responded by highlighting that the CRB's allotted time for argumentative submissions had already expired.
A noteworthy revelation that has emerged from the entire situation is the existence of DayZ 2, a game currently being developed. This information had not been hinted at prior to this point. Regardless of the outcome of Microsoft's potential acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the ongoing legal dispute with the FTC has already led to an abundance of leaks and previously unreachable information, which holds significant importance for the gaming industry as a whole.