Microsoft has subpoenaed Sony Interactive Entertainment in the lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
According to the documents, the Xbox maker wants Sony to disclose details about the production of its games in the PlayStation division.
The information, which Microsoft deems relevant to the case, could include sensitive details that Sony would be reluctant to share with its rival.
In the document, it is revealed that Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft are negotiating over the production scope and schedule. The Japanese company even has January 27th to respond to her rival’s request.
Confirmation that Microsoft has subpoenaed Sony Interactive Entertainment as it tries to defend itself from an FTC lawsuit against the MS bid for Activision
Sony notes MS first tried this on Jan 12 but had to re-do it on Jan 17. Sony will likely have a reply on the 27th pic.twitter.com/mWW6tyXML0
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) January 23, 2023
In December, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it intends to sue Microsoft to prevent its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for US$ 69 billion (~R$ 359 billion). According to the regulator, the deal would allow Microsoft to dominate its competitors with the Xbox console, subscription content and cloud gaming.
Among other concerns, the regulatory body and Sony cite that the deal could significantly reduce the ability of PlayStation to compete, as Microsoft would have control of the Call of Duty franchise, which the Japanese company considers “irreplaceable”.
In response to the Federal Trade Commission, Microsoft and Activision argued that the deal would benefit consumers as the publisher’s Call of Duty games would be more widely available in the market.
If the case is actually resolved in court, the expectation is that the trial will start in August 2023.
