Group of gamers sues Microsoft ‘to stop Activision Blizzard takeover’

A group of ten people have filed a lawsuit against Microsoft to stop what they say is its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. According to prosecutors, Microsoft will gain too much power if the takeover goes through.

Since the announcement of the acquisition worth approximately $ 68.7 billion, there has been a lot of criticism of the intended deal, mostly from market regulators and authorities such as the European Commission and the FTC. As far as we know, however, it is the first time that a group of private individuals has taken legal action to oppose the takeover of Activision Blizzard.

The plaintiffs allege: “If Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard is allowed to proceed, the gaming industry would lose substantial competitive opportunities. This would give Microsoft disproportionate market power with the ability to hinder competitors, limit output, and raise prices,” cites Bloomberg Law out court documents. Microsoft repeats previous claims in a statement; the deal would actually promote competition and ‘create more opportunities for gamers and game developers’.

It is according to one analysis of FOSS Patents on the other hand, it is unlikely that the lawsuit will actually be heard. The case in question looks more like a class action lawsuit and, according to the medium, could be settled by Microsoft due to the ‘nuisance’ of the case. Paying off such a case may be cheaper and easier than providing a good defense in an actual lawsuit.