In what appears to be retaliation for Sony’s attempt to block the Activision Blizzard merger, Microsoft has reportedly complained about the alleged playstation monopoly in the video game market, particularly in Japan, to American legislators.
Members of Congress call on Japan to take action against the PlayStation monopoly
We previously reported that Congresswoman Maria Cantwell of Microsoft’s home base in Washington urged U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to address the issue of Microsoft’s “98% monopoly on the high-end Microsoft gaming market. ” in Japan.
According to Axios, a total of 11 members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, but mostly from Microsoft’s home state, wrote a letter accusing Sony of discriminatory business practices and calling on the Japanese government to intervene. They complain that Sony is keeping popular Japanese games, like Final Fantasy, off Xbox consoles.
Microsoft of course welcomed the investigation, but refrained from confirming that it had pushed. However, Axios understands that the company has lobbied lawmakers.
“The Japanese government’s effective no-prosecution policy with respect to Sony appears to be a serious impediment to US exports, with real impacts for Microsoft and the many US game developers and publishers that sell globally, but they see their profits in Japan depressed by these practices,” reads the lawmakers’ letter to the Biden administration.
Interestingly, earlier today Japan approved Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.