‘Google and Nvidia express objections to Activision Blizzard takeover of Microsoft’

Nvidia and Google have raised concerns with the Federal Trade Commission, the American regulator, about the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft. At least, that’s what Bloomberg says based on sources.

Google and Nvidia have expressed their concerns, because in their view Microsoft could gain an unfair advantage in the cloud gaming, subscription and mobile games market after the acquisition. This reports Bloomberg based on sources said to be familiar with the matter and who asked not to be identified due to the confidentiality of the process. The medium asked representatives of the three companies involved for comment, but they were refused.

Nvidia is said to have emphasized the need for equal and open access to game titles in its comments to the FTC, but the company did not immediately oppose Microsoft’s desired acquisition, one of the sources said. It is not clear whether Google may have become more fiercely involved in the discussion and argued more strongly against the takeover.

Ultimately, Nvidia and Google may be called to testify as part of the lawsuit the FTC previously launched against the acquisition. The first hearing in this lawsuit began earlier this month. Microsoft wants to acquire the game publisher for $68.7 billion in what would be the largest gaming acquisition to date. The companies announced the deal last year.

For example, the objections of other companies and the FTC that Microsoft would receive an unfair advantage and limit competition in the market are related to the question of whether there will still be access to Activision titles such as Call of Duty after the acquisition. Microsoft believes these concerns are unfounded. The company points out, among other things, that it has offered Sony a ten-year Call of Duty license and that it also intends to bring the game series to Nintendo consoles if the takeover goes through.