Microsoft Settles Lawsuit Over Activision Blizzard Acquisition Deal Dispute

Microsoft Settles Lawsuit Over Activision Blizzard Acquisition Deal Dispute

Microsoft has settled an antitrust lawsuit from players attempting to block its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The lawsuit was originally filed in California in 2022, after Microsoft announced its intention to acquire the Call of Duty and World of Warcraft maker.

Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed by players from multiple US states who were unhappy with the supposed monopoly Microsoft would gain from acquiring Activision Blizzard. They claimed that this would potentially mean raising prices, reducing consumer choice, and making certain games exclusive, specifically Call of Duty.

Settlement of the Lawsuit

A deal was struck to dismiss the lawsuit “with prejudice”, so it cannot be refiled. In a court filing, lawyers agreed that each party would bear their own costs and fees. The terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Impact of the Acquisition

Since the acquisition, there have been several changes, including a string of layoffs and studio closures. Blizzard president Mike Ybarra left the company at the start of this year, following the departure of Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick in December 2023.

Commitment to Multi-Platform Release

Microsoft has upheld its decision to release Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 across multiple platforms, including PlayStation consoles, Xbox, and PC. This is a significant move, as it demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to releasing games on multiple platforms, despite owning the franchise.

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was signed off on 13th October 2023, marking a significant milestone in the gaming industry. With the lawsuit settled, Microsoft can now focus on integrating Activision Blizzard into its operations and delivering games to fans across multiple platforms.