In case you missed it, a verdict was just reached in the recent trial between Microsoft and the Federal Trade Commission, with Judge Corley ruling in favor of Microsoft and denying the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction on the $69 billion bid to buy Activision Blizzard.
This is a huge landmark in the gaming industry for many reasons, and the industry has been reacting to the verdict. Shortly after the verdict was reached, Xbox head Phil Spencer shared a Twitter thread, expressing his thoughts.
1/We’re grateful to the court for swiftly deciding in our favor. The evidence showed the Activision Blizzard deal is good for the industry and the FTC’s claims about console switching, multi-game subscription services, and cloud don’t reflect the realities of the gaming market.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) July 11, 2023
Microsoft president Brad Smith also shared a statement on the veridct, noting how the company was “grateful”.
Our statement on today’s decision: pic.twitter.com/jRDD8PhBeT
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) July 11, 2023
Several Twitter accounts are now pointing out how Activision Blizzard’s stock price went up following the verdict.
Activision stock price up $4 on the news pic.twitter.com/c2gm97qyzr
— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) July 11, 2023
#ActivisionBlizzard stock is sky rocketing off the back of the Xbox / Activision court win today pic.twitter.com/DqOGNvOdxN
— Snap Blast PLAY (@SnapBlastPLAY) July 11, 2023
ATVI stock after Judge Corley denied the FTC’s preliminary injunction request. pic.twitter.com/zs1sAidtlR
— Idle Sloth?? (@IdleSloth84_) July 11, 2023
Those who supported the deal and hoped Microsoft would win the case are now celebrating, with many Xbox fans rejoicing that the company has one less hurdle to push through as it tries to complete the acquisition.
How every gamer feels right now! #ActivisionBlizzard #Xbox pic.twitter.com/xIckEQBgSc
— Zalker87 (@Zalker87) July 11, 2023
Today is a good day for PlayStation & Xbox gamers…
… but a bad day for toxic Sony cultists. ?#ActivisionBlizzard pic.twitter.com/nqBfcip3JV
— Niko (@NikoMueller) July 11, 2023
We celebrate today Xbox Fam #Xbox #ActivisionBlizzard pic.twitter.com/dgDvttnymn
— Maurice (@elitist_momo) July 11, 2023
https://t.co/vuvOc2B5Sd pic.twitter.com/QEER8VXazB
— Greg Miller (@GameOverGreggy) July 11, 2023
While the FTC lost this trial, the agency does have a chance to appeal Judge Corley’s decision ahead of July 14th. But there is a chance the FTC may abandon this altogether, and while Microsoft still has to appeal the CMA’s decision, it appears Microsoft has overcome its biggest hurdle.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
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