Microsoft wants to buy Activation for its wealth of game franchises, from Call of Duty to StarCraft and World of Warcraft in a deal set to cost $68.7 billion. Legislators here and abroad started taking a closer look at the ramifications, calling for a halt to proceedings over concerns about fair competition.
The deal would make Microsoft the world’s third-largest gaming outfit and the biggest in the US. Hurdles include legal action by the Federal Trade Commission and gaming groups, and complaints from Sony. It has gathered support, including cutting deals with Nvidia and Nintendo to keep its games on its platforms. Legal experts are divided as to which way this one will go.