Microsoft settles lawsuit with gamers over Activision Blizzard deal
After facing multiple lawsuits following its announcement to acquire Activision Blizzard in 2022, Microsoft has settled another lawsuit related to the merger. The lawsuit, filed by a group of gamers, claimed that the acquisition would have a negative impact on the video game industry.
The settlement terms were not disclosed, but both Microsoft and the gamers agreed to dismiss the case “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled. Additionally, both parties will be responsible for covering their own legal fees.
Microsoft has settled a long running lawsuit by so-called “gamers” challenging its Activision Blizzard deal. The lawsuit has been dismissed “with prejudice,” so it won’t be refiled pic.twitter.com/VVkI9ICHf3
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) October 14, 2024
The initial lawsuit was filed in a U.S. federal court back in 2022, and while this particular case has now been settled, there may still be further legal battles stemming from the Activision deal. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently raised concerns about changes made to Game Pass by Microsoft, alleging that they violated the conditions set for the Activision Blizzard acquisition approval by regulators.
Microsoft has responded to the FTC’s claims and refuted the characterization of Game Pass as a “degraded product.” The federal court has not yet made a ruling on these matters, so the situation remains unchanged for now.