Microsoft wins FTC fight to buy Activision Blizzard
https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/11/23779039/microsoft-activision-blizzard-ftc-trial-win
From the article, quoting Judge Corley:
… the Court finds the FTC has not shown a likelihood it will prevail on its claim this particular vertical merger in this specific industry may substantially lessen competition. To the contrary, the record evidence points to more consumer access to Call of Duty and other Activision content. The motion for a preliminary injunction is therefore DENIED.
I think you’re missing the point.
More studios are now under one umbrella and thus under one overarching, creative thumb. This could trigger further escalation from competitors. See the acquisition surge that followed the Zenimax sale.
Whatever short term gain you think this is worth, the long term effects may outweigh them negatively.
This is yet another win for capital and the only reason it couldn’t be blocked is because they’ve similarly already allowed basically every medium and multiple industries to be gobbled up into the hands of a few.
Even if Kotick leaves, it will be on a golden parachute.