Not too long ago (although it all seems hazy at this point), Microsoft ordered Sony to appear in court to present its findings regarding Activision Blizzard’s purchase of Xbox. This trial has not yet taken place, the hearing is currently scheduled for August 2, but it seems that Sony is not very satisfied with Microsoft’s requests before the trial.
A number of new documents have been filed in connection with the case in recent weeks, spotted by Axios, and it seems Sony isn’t too happy with what’s going on. In the Japanese firm’s own words, Microsoft is apparently committing “blatant harassment” with its internal Sony requests for information.
There’s a lot going on with this latest stage of feuding between Sony and Microsoft. The gist of it all is that Microsoft wants a lot of information from Sony as part of the deal, and Sony feels that Microsoft is asking too much inside information from the PlayStation owner. First, here’s the introduction to Microsoft’s first hit:
“Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), whose games business eclipsed that of Xbox for 20 years, is no ordinary third party in this action. At great expense and over an extended period, SIE has deployed executive delegations , large teams of outside lawyers and top economists to persuade regulators here and around the world to block Activision’s proposed acquisition of Blizzard King by Microsoft Corp. Microsoft”).
SIE’s efforts are paying off: The FTC’s complaint in this action is replete with allegations about the effects the settlement will have on SIE’s business. This case concerns both SIE, Xbox and Activision. Therefore, rapid discovery of SIE is critical to Microsoft’s defense. »
And here’s a quick rundown of Sony’s stance on this:
“Microsoft’s invitation to SIE is really massive. Since receiving it, SIE has attended five meetings and conferences with Microsoft, provided a 55-page set of detailed written responses and objections to Microsoft’s request, and corresponded extensively with Microsoft.
On the evening of February 1, 2023, SIE and Microsoft generally agreed that SIE would produce files from seven identified repositories, but many additional scope issues remained. SIE requested an extension of time to resolve this issue, but Microsoft refused unless SIE agreed to file a partial motion to quash the Microsoft election issue two days later. This trick by Microsoft is ineffective and inappropriate.”
“Microsoft’s demand for performance reviews for SIE executives is a clear bully. Even in labor cases, courts require a specific demonstration of relevance before requiring the production of personnel records.”
This is all starting to get a bit disjointed, isn’t it? The US FTC is effectively caught in the middle here, and we’ll have to see how the US authority deals with both sides of the argument. Either way, it doesn’t look like we’re any closer to a conclusion than we were last year, at least in the US.
The Activision Blizzard drama has also made progress here in the UK, with the CMA delivering its latest report on the deal. Things don’t look incredibly positive from these regulators at the moment, but we must point out that the CMA, EU, or FTC have yet to make a final decision.
Is Sony exaggerating here? Is Microsoft asking for too much information? Let us know your thoughts.
(source axios.com)
Ben is a fan of action, racing, and direct fire in every video game he can get his hands on. When he’s not playing, Ben spends his time listening to too many Guns N’ Roses, watching football, and probably eating somewhere.