FTC Allowed to Investigate Sony & Ubisoft Deals in Microsoft & Activision Merger Case With a Caveat

While the $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has finally been closed, the legal battle between Microsoft and the FTC to keep it closed is still ongoing.

[MrDead]

At least the judge has stopped MS sending what is already know, but it's crazy that they can't go through all the evidence they requested.

[Abriael]

Actually, the judge has stopped the FTC from asking what is already known.

The restrictions to the order are for the FTC, not for Microsoft.

[MrDead]

"Actually, the judge has stopped the FTC from asking what is already known."
True, I completely misread that

"The restrictions to the order are for the FTC, not for Microsoft."

Which is a shame as they are not allowed to see all the requested documentation, trying to build a case when you can't see all the evidence is a kick in the teeth... but hey, the unimaginably wealthy just got way wealthier so evidence be dammed, champagne!!!

[Abriael]

LOL imagine being so absolutely biased that you celebrate something when you erroneously think it's in favor of the regulator you're weirdly a fanboy of, and then bemoan exactly the same thing when you realize it's the opposite.

Man, you're a riot. The idea that they "can't see all the evidence" because they aren't allowed to request documents on evidence that has already been acquired making everyone waste their time, including the judge, is absolutely hilarious.

[MrDead]

I will remain a fanboy of anyone that wants to protect the consumer from the market consolidation of companies like MS, even if the FTC is powerless or not. They couldn't stop the consolidation of the food market, airlines, ISP's, energy market, etc now the US is in a rut of low wages and high costs because they are powerless without institutional support.

"LOL imagine being so absolutely biased that you celebrate something"
I know, I said "At least the judge has stopped MS sending what is already know" this was a hard celebration, that had the party poppers out and everything... never invite me to one of your parties if to you that is a celebration.

"Man, you're a riot. The idea that they "can't see all the evidence" because they aren't allowed to request documents on evidence that has already been acquired making everyone waste their time, including the judge, is absolutely hilarious."
The waste of time excuse is just that an excuse, the same when it comes to cost. Having access to the evidence you require for a case to prove links and trails and intent... also what you find funny is a little odd, the denial of evidence is "hilarious"?

But hey Abriael, market consolidation has won, gamers are losing access to games and one company is free to buy and dictate where the industry goes, be happy as your dream is coming true.

[-Foxtrot]

Why only part? If the deal is closed then what’s the harm it can do.

[Obscure_Observer]

"Why only part? If the deal is closed then what’s the harm it can do."

Waste of taxpayer money.

[blacktiger]

it's never waste of tax payer when it comes to corporation.

[Abriael]

The "harm" is that a regulator isn't allowed to harass private companies by asking for a limitless mountain of documents and testimonies with no restrictions, which the judge himself then has to read and study, wasting his time as well.

Demands for lots of redundant documents and testimonies don't just waste Microsoft's money. It wastes the judge's time, which is literally taxpayer money.

[Jin_Sakai]

I guess it was a waste of tax payers money from the beginning since the FTC lost. So there’s that.

[porkChop]

Because it costs taxpayer money. The FTC already had 5 months of discovery and failed to prove anything. They don't just get to request however many documents they want to now. The judge is preventing them from wasting time, that's why they also can't request anything that includes information the FTC already has from other documents.

[Kaze88]

Everyone saying "wasting tax payers money" wont care 99% what happens to their tax money, but now when its your console maker it matters :D Let's not ever sue any big companies about anything, because it's a waste of money. Let's just get rid of FTC, problem solved. :)

[XiNatsuDragnel]

Well the drams continues.

[BeHunted]

It's too late. Microsoft already owns the Publisher, and game studios.

[XiNatsuDragnel]

True but divertsure is possible still but rare chance.

[Neonridr]

nothing is being undone here, it's over.

[DarXyde]

Technically (and I do mean technically), "Too late" is never really a thing with US companies. Companies can be broken up via antitrust law.

Will it happen? Nah. Tech companies are pretty much allowed to do whatever they want. There's a failure to properly reprimand crypto bros and they've been talking about dealing with Google for years.

It can be be done. That is literally always an option.

But it won't be. American society can continue to deteriorate, but as long as representatives have money and protection from the masses, they don't care.

So in practice, you're right: it's too late. In principle, with a functional legislature (ha!) tech companies can be broken up.

[Sonic1881]

This might affect future big acquisitions. Basically they're keeping an eye on Microsoft future acquisitions. I don't know if it would make any difference though

[CrimsonWing69]

Y'know, if I've learned one thing from this debacle it's just how little the FTC knows about the game industry. It's actually comical, like you could literally make a courtroom comedy movie with this case just by using the actual transcripts alone.

Just let it go, already.

[richardmmorales]

If they turned it into a movie. I'd watch it. Last month watched Blackberry.

[CrimsonWing69]

I’m glad you mentioned that because I was interested in seeing BlackBerry, but totally forgot about it.

[Kaii]

Cuts staff just before December, will they be getting a 6m severance package?

[Kaii]

Wrong article comment, woop.

[Redgrave]

Mr. Bones Wild Ride creaks to life for another encore loop