The Court said it "finds the FTC has not shown a likelihood it will prevail on its claim this particular vertical merger in this specific industry may substantially lessen competition".
When was the last time such an acquisition led to something positive for gamers?
I am all for timed exclusives if that means Microsoft or Sony help funding the game that wouldn't have the budget otherwise. However I am against acquisitions, be it from Microsoft or from Sony.
I was following this case all week and the FTC really embarrassed itself. If this injunction was granted it would have been even more s suprising than the CMA coming out of nowhere to block the acquisition.
Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick also issued a statement: "Our merger will benefit consumers and workers. It will enable competition rather than allow entrenched market leaders to continue to dominate our rapidly growing industry.”
He says, attempting a merger with an "entrenched market leader."
Among Sony and Nintendo, Microsoft is bringing up the rear in console sales, but they own 20+ game studios, including Bethesda. What is that if not a market leader in gaming?
The FTC showing why it damages Sony (the market leader) rather than trying to prove why it damages consumers was their biggest issue. Horrible case from them.