Microsoft subpoenaed Sony for information related to FTC lawsuit.
Microsoft has served Sony Interactive Entertainment with a subpoena as part of its defense against a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit. Microsoft is seeking information from Sony regarding the PlayStation game production pipeline, which could include confidential details. Sony has until January 27 to respond to the subpoena.
The FTC lawsuit was filed in December in an attempt to stop Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The FTC is worried that the merger would reduce PlayStation’s ability to compete, given that Microsoft would gain ownership of the Call of Duty series. Microsoft and Activision have argued that the merger would be procompetitive and benefit consumers.
In response to the FTC complaint, Microsoft has offered Sony a 10-year contract to make each new Call of Duty game available on PlayStation the same day it comes to Xbox. However, the FTC has stated that there have been no “substantive” settlement talks with Microsoft over the proposed acquisition. If the case goes to trial, hearings are scheduled to take place in August 2023.
The subpoena from Microsoft to Sony is part of Microsoft’s defense against the FTC lawsuit. Microsoft is requesting information from Sony regarding the PlayStation game production pipeline, which may include confidential details. Sony has until January 27 to respond to the subpoena. Microsoft and Activision have argued that the merger would be procompetitive and benefit consumers, and Microsoft has offered Sony a 10-year contract to make each new Call of Duty game available on PlayStation the same day it comes to Xbox. If the case goes to trial, hearings are scheduled to take place in August 2023.
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