Microsoft and FTC are at it again, this time about Activision Blizzard layoffs

Activision Blizzard layoffs contradict Microsoft's previous court agreements

Reading time icon 2 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team Read more

ftc microsoft legal battle

As you probably know, Microsoft has acquired Activision Blizzard recently, however, things aren’t going well for both companies.

It seems that Microsoft is having legal issues with FTC again followed by massive layoffs in Activision Blizzard.

Activision Blizzard layoffs spark another legal battle with FTC

This isn’t the first time that FTC and Microsoft had issues, and last year FTC tried to stop the Activision Blizzard acquisition, however, it was unsuccessful.

According to Polygon, it seems that FTC is continuing its legal battle with Microsoft after layoffs to its gaming department. FTC lawyer, Imad Abyad stated the following:

This newly-revealed information contradicts Microsoft’s representations in this proceeding

The issue stems from that Microsoft stated during the previous court hearing that Microsoft and Activision Blizzard would remain largely independent.

According to Imad Abyad, Microsoft’s original intention was “to maintain the pre-merger status quo” meaning no need for layoffs.

Microsoft’s Phil Spencer characterized layoffs as “areas of overlap”, thus contradicting the previous statement made in court.

FTC is determined to undo this deal and while the chances of this coming to fruition are slim, FTC has done so in the past. No additional information is currently available, as we wait for an official decision from San Francisco’s Court of Appeals.

More about the topics: Blizzard Entertainment, microsoft