Outcry Rages as 22 Lawmakers Urge FTC to Halt Microsoft Activision Blizzard Deal

US lawmakers are urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to stop opposing Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The gaming industry was shaken when Microsoft announced its plans to purchase the major publisher last year. The proposed deal has since undergone scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide. Concerns have been raised, particularly regarding Microsoft's potential control over popular franchises like Call of Duty and the company's dominance in the growing cloud gaming market. The FTC has been a prominent opponent, filing a lawsuit in December to block the acquisition. Despite a ruling in favor of Microsoft, the FTC has appealed the decision and has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for August 2.

In the meantime, a group of 22 Republican members of the House of Representatives are urging the FTC to halt its attempts to prevent Microsoft from acquiring Activision Blizzard. According to IGN, these lawmakers wrote a letter to FTC chair Lina Khan and commissioners Rebecca Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya this week, requesting the agency to end its antitrust case against Microsoft and revert to its previous approach of sensible and consumer-focused antitrust enforcement. The letter argues that the FTC's recent actions disregard established FTC practices and emphasizes that Microsoft's deal will enhance consumer choice and protect a dominant foreign company from competition.

Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard has successfully navigated regulatory processes in several countries including Turkey, China, Ukraine, and the European Union. However, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority initially rejected the deal in April. Nevertheless, they have now entered into discussions with Microsoft to address concerns surrounding the impact on cloud gaming.

Contrary to recent reports, Microsoft still faces a significant journey before finalizing its buyout of Activision Blizzard. It must first obtain approval from regulatory bodies such as the FTC in the United States. Many members of the House of Representatives are supportive of the deal and are urging the FTC to approve Microsoft's transformative purchase of Activision Blizzard.

Source: IGN (via US House of Representatives)