The FTC vs Microsoft case has dragged in rival companies like Sony’s PlayStation too. Earlier, FTC had placed a restraining order on this deal citing reasons for antitrust issues on Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. Now the Xbox creators are trying to do everything they can to prove the deal is worthy of fulfillment in court. On day two of the hearing, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer himself came forward to testify in court.
During the proceedings, he talked over a multitude of topics ranging from Call of Duty to Sony hindering the development of Minecraft. But during the trial, Spencer notably talked about his conversation with Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida.
Xbox CEO tells the court about getting positive feedback from Sony CEO and PlayStation
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In court, Xbox CEO did not shy away from revealing facts about the acquisition deal. He stated Microsoft was looking to acquire Zynga first. However, the deal with Zynga did not go through. Then the Xbox makers set their sights on Activision and were successful in landing the deal. Post announcement of Microsoft’s Activision deal, Spencer talked with Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida. During the call, Yoshida was completely in favor of this deal as Spencer said, “I got positive affirmations from Yoshida-san”.
Furthermore, Spencer also had a more extended call with PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan. The result of this call was also similar to the call with Sony CEO. “He understood our rationale behind the deal. I think the email exchange showed he understood this was not about PlayStation,” said Spencer. The Microsoft counsel also presented an email between the PlayStation CEO and former CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, Chris Deering.
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Read More: Microsoft Acquired Bethesda To Save Starfield From PlayStation
In this email, both Sony higher-ups were optimistic about the future of Activision Games on their platform. All these revelations from Microsoft’s side have weakened the argument of FTC. The federal body is accusing Microsoft will make Activision titles exclusive to their platform. By doing so, Microsoft will have a higher portion of the gaming market.
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But there are a few days left for the case to proceed. Maybe there will be more bombshell revelations coming in these days. What are your thoughts on Sony and PlayStation CEO both being initially in support of the deal? Let us know in the comments section below.
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