10 Call of Duty players stand up to 'block Microsoft's takeover of Activision Blizzard'
Ten avid gamers who love the Call of Duty series and other Activision Blizzard games have filed a class action lawsuit to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft Sued by Gamers Over $69 Billion Action Deal (2)
Microsoft sued by Call of Duty gamers opposing Activision merger | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2022/12/microsoft-sued-by-call-of-duty-gamers-opposing-activation-merger/
Consumers in California and New Jersey filed a lawsuit on December 20, 2022 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California seeking an injunction to stop Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
In the complaint, the plaintiff describes Activision Blizzard as ``an important rival in the gaming industry as a whole in promoting technological innovation and price competition,'' and if the acquisition is allowed, Microsoft will gain greater market power. I am complaining that I will exercise it and give disadvantages to the people.
The complaint alleges Dante Dimartini, a hardcore gamer who has purchased or played numerous Activision Blizzard games, including multiple versions of Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Overwatch 2, Starcraft II, Diablo III, and Hearthstone. led by 10 gamers who all said they played at least Call of Duty.
Demartini et al v. Microsoft Corporation, Docket No. 3:22-cv-08991 (ND Cal. Dec 20, 2022), Court Docket
(PDF file) https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/DemartinietalvMicrosoftCorporationDocketNo322cv08991NDCalDec20202
In December 2022, the Federal Trade Commission also sued Microsoft on suspicion of violating antitrust laws (antitrust laws), but in this trial, the plaintiffs said they were concerned about the acquisition from a consumer's unique perspective. is expressed.
The main concern is that Microsoft could monopolize Call of Duty and other popular titles, blocking access from non-Microsoft platforms and services. Microsoft has long stated that it will be possible to play Call of Duty on competitors' game consoles such as Nintendo and Sony for the next 10 years.
On the other hand, when Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Media, which owns Bethesda Game Studios, which is famous for the Fallout series, new games such as Starfield will be Xbox exclusive titles. There is precedent for doing so,” plaintiffs sued. It is also argued that even if Call of Duty is offered on other game consoles and platforms, the release date, quality, features and upgrades will not necessarily be the same.
Another concern is that the increased consolidation of the gaming industry may lead to a decline in the overall quality of gaming content. It has been pointed out that other independent game studios will not be able to access excellent human resources because Microsoft will be in a position to attract many excellent game developers with this acquisition. Also, if the mobility of human resources declines in the industry, there is a risk that wages will decline and job changes will be restricted, and game developers will suffer from worsening working conditions.
Prior to the takeover offer, Activision Blizzard was spurred by issues of sexism and sexual harassment, fueling concerns.
What is the content of the open letter signed by about 1,000 employees, the game company `` Activision Blizzard '' with Call of Duty suing for sexual harassment and abuse? -GIGAZINE
For these reasons, the 10 gamer plaintiffs argued that 'the competition created by Activision Blizzard is critical in ensuring that the innovation and value of next-generation games will be enhanced by competition, not stifled by consolidation.' is indispensable, ”he said that Activision Blizzard should continue to exist as an independent company in order to maintain the health of the game industry.
Meanwhile, a Microsoft spokesperson told the media, 'This deal aims to offer more games, increase competition and create more opportunities for gamers and game developers.' and dismissed gamers' concerns.
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