These gamers won't give up trying to block Activision deal
It isn't just industry giants trying to keep Xbox from buying Activision Blizzard, as a group of gamers are launching their own legal proceedings.
13th Apr 2023 17:15
Images via Activsion Blizzard
These gamers won't give up trying to block Activision deal
It isn't just industry giants trying to keep Xbox from buying Activision Blizzard, as a group of gamers are launching their own legal proceedings.
13th Apr 2023 17:15
Images via Activsion Blizzard
Please, we've had enough. The ongoing slog it has taken for Xbox to validate its purchase of video game giant Activision Blizzard has been pretty agonising for all involved, and even its onlookers.
It has been hugely frustrating to see industry heads throw their toys out of the pram and do all they can to keep the deal from happening.
Even though we're still yet to see if it corners the video game industry as many have expected, we're slightly hoping that it's over soon. But now, the averahe consumer is trying to keep it from happening too.
Gamers are trying to interrupt the Xbox Activision Blizzard deal
As if it wasn't frustrating enough to see the likes of Sony attempt to interrupt the purchase of Activision Blizzard, players are getting involved and are launching their own anti-deal legal proceedings.
A group - that simply self-identifies as "gamers" - has renewed a legal challenge to block Microsoft's attempted purchase of Activision Blizzard. The case argues that the huge deal will have a great impact on the monopolisation of the gaming industry in violation of the Clayton Act.
As reported by Reuters, the private anti-trust action has been brought forward by 10 players from California, New Mexico, and New Jersey.
A complaint was initially issued back in March from the company, but was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley. Corley said the plaintiffs could refile, although amended lawsuits can still be dismissed.
Responding to the update, a Microsoft spokesperson said, the amended lawsuit delivers "unsupported and implausible claims about the deal's effect on competition" and reiterated the acquisition should "bring more games to more people."
It's fascinating to see players themselves get involved on the legal front, though it doesn't sound like it'll be humoured in court for long.
The Activision Blizzard faff might not last much longer
Thankfully, we could soon see an end to the catastrophes that circle the Activision Blizzard deal like a pack of sharks, as a few key dates are coming up.
The Competition and Markets Authority in the UK is set to make its ruling on the deal by April 26, and the European Commission will give its verdict by May 22 - so who knows, this time next month, it could all be done. One can only dream.
About The Author
Joseph Kime
Joseph Kime is the Senior Trending News Journalist for GGRecon from Devon, UK. Before graduating from MarJon University with a degree in Journalism, he started writing music reviews for his own website before writing for the likes of FANDOM, Zavvi and The Digital Fix. He is host of the Big Screen Book Club podcast, and author of Building A Universe, a book that chronicles the history of superhero movies. His favourite games include DOOM (2016), Celeste and Pokemon Emerald.
