XBOX/ACTIVISION PR BLITZ | Microsoft Looks to Put Pressure on FTC (VL751)

Key Points

• The Communication Workers of America (CWA) union shifted its stance to support Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, citing a labor neutrality agreement that promises to protect collective bargaining rights for workers and could influence the FTC's decision on the merger.
• Microsoft's public relations efforts intensified, including an opinion editorial in the Wall Street Journal by President Brad Smith, which argued that the acquisition would foster competition and benefit consumers by driving innovation in cloud gaming and subscription services.
• The FTC's potential lawsuit to block the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger is framed by Microsoft as a mistake that would hinder industry competition and innovation, while also highlighting Microsoft's commitment to pro-competition principles and worker organization rights.