Microsoft Wins In Gamer-Led Antitrust Lawsuit To Stop Activision Blizzard Acquisition, For Now

Microsoft got a bit of a win today in court this week, with a judge throwing out an antitrust lawsuit brought by gamers to stop the $69 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition - a suit that Microsoft had previously tried to put on hold, to no success. The judge called the suit “short on detail” and questioned the assertion that Microsoft might go back on its promise to keep games available on other platforms. While Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley conceded that Microsoft could make the Activision catalog exclusive in some way, she also noted that the plaintiffs were unable to prove that the company would be likely to do so.

The ruling doesn’t mean the plaintiffs are done, however. In fact, Corley is allowing 20 days for an amended complaint to be filed – preferably one that provides more information that proves their point. They’ve been asked for more detail about the video game markets they feel will be impacted negatively by the deal.

Part of the complaint's argument noted that Microsoft has broken promises like these before with the purchase of ZeniMax Media. The judge acknowledged that a history of similar actions has been proven, but also notes that this doesn’t prove it will happen with Call of Duty.

In addition, the judge also noted that the gamers don’t have the standing to make claims about the merger’s impact on the labor market for game developers.