FTC Likely To File Lawsuit Challenging Microsoft's Acti-Blizz Deal "As Soon As Next Month"

According to three sources close to the situation, the Federal Trade Commission will likely file an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft's Activision-Blizzard acquisition deal "as soon as next month." The unexpected suit isn't guaranteed, but it aims to determine how Microsoft could leverage future, unannounced titles to "boost its gaming business."

While concerns about Call of Duty's future are stirring up the pot between Sony and Microsoft, the FTC is more concerned about the Xbox publisher's ability to leverage games over others - as mentioned by two sources who told Politico. That lines up with Sony's consistent claims about Microsoft aiming to make Call of Duty exclusive and how PlayStation and others would be significantly disadvantaged.

Politico states the lawsuit challenging the deal "is not guaranteed" since the FTC's four commissioners haven't voted out a complaint or met with lawyers for the companies, according to the earlier two sources. Although, the FTC staff reviewing the proposed $69 billion deal are "skeptical" of Microsoft's arguments, even if the lawsuit doesn't come forward.

Investigations for the suit are still ongoing, but Politico's sources say much of the legwork is complete. So much so that the FTC could move ahead with a case next month. We'll have to wait and see how this one plays out, though.