FTC has filed a notice to the US Court of Appeals that Microsoft laying off 1,900 employees of ABK “contradicts” the company’s statements

[Gamernyc78]

US FTC Files Court Notice Against Microsoft Laying Off Activision Employees

The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against Microsoft once again following a wave of layoffs at Activision Blizzard

insider-gaming.com

Here We Go Again​

In the letter that was filed with the US Court of Appeals, the FTC stresses that Microsoft’s dismissal of hundreds of Activision Blizzard employees – including developers and esports professionals – is in direct contradiction to terms outlined during the acquisition that dominated most of 2023’s headlines.

It states the following:

Microsoft’s recently-reported plan to eliminate 1,900 jobs in its video game division, including its newly-acquired Activision unit, contradicts the foregoing representations it made to this Court.

By that, the FTC is highlighting that Microsoft promised to let Activision Blizzard operate as an independent entity post-merger, and then weeks later, the tech behemoth is laying off hundreds of employees at the company.

The FTC also voiced concerns that if it were to try and ‘reverse’ the merger through an appeal, the mass layoffs could jeopardise the ability to split Activision Blizzard back away from Microsoft’s clutches.

More information is available in the letter that was shared on social media by CharlieIntel.

 

[Gamernyc78]

US FTC Files Court Notice Against Microsoft Laying Off Activision Employees

The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against Microsoft once again following a wave of layoffs at Activision Blizzard

insider-gaming.com

Added additional article from insidergaming.

 

[Evilnemesis8]

The saga that never ends.
I don't think this will do anything but give bigger year end bonuses to Microsoft's lawyers for 2024.
There's going to be online hot takes about it online so there's going to be some entertainment at least.

 

[AshHunter216]

I don't think this will change anything but it adds to an already stressful week for Xbox fanboys, lol.

 

[Ezekiel]

Good

Fuck'em

 

[Gamernyc78]

All these appeals and loses make FTC look so weak.

 

[arvfab]

I doubt this will lead to anything, but in a "What if..." scenario, what realistic consequences would there be? MS sells ABK to the highest bidder? ABK becomes independent again?

 

[flaccidsnake]

lol this is all part of satya's plan to get the 70B back and get out of the gaming business

 

[Jim Ryan]

 

[Shadow2027]

I still just cant believe the judge was allowed to oversee the trial when her son works for MS. Like there wasnt any incentive to ensure it goes through. Wonder if the son got tbat promotion yet

 

[Bryank75]

Drag them back into court and hammer these lying scumbags.

Look at how they are butchering the studios...

Is that it? Burn as much of the industry down in a temperature that you could t win? GTFOH

 

[Snes nes]

They actually just are firing all the coal miners that went to college and learned to code.

 

[Bryank75]

I still just cant believe the judge was allowed to oversee the trial when her son works for MS. Like there wasnt any incentive to ensure it goes through. Wonder if the son got tbat promotion yet

It's actually in the code of conduct for judges, it states in two or three different areas that in such a case, you should not preside over it.

It's bizarre that she was allowed get away with that.

 

[Zeroing]

Microsoft is having an awful the week. First time I see all media being harsh on that company.

PS. I wonder if the people on ree still champion MS as a savior for the Activision workers/ex employees …

 

[Kokoloko]

I still just cant believe the judge was allowed to oversee the trial when her son works for MS. Like there wasnt any incentive to ensure it goes through. Wonder if the son got tbat promotion yet

Look at the world and all the government curruption that happens.
Makes perfect sense lol

 

[ethomaz]

The max that can make is a court decide to MS pay a fine now.

Go back in the merge should be disastrous to every part involved and MS be less affect of all.

 

[Gamernyc78]

The max that can make is a court decide to MS pay a fine now.

Go back in the merge should be disastrous to every part involved and MS be less affect of all.

Yeah, true.

 

[John Elden Ring]

 

[AshHunter216]

I'm so tired of hearing what Xbox and Microsoft in general have to say all the time. I'd like to go at least a year without some major news story about something they're saying or doing.

 

[flaccidsnake]

From the statement announcing the layoffs:

Together, we’ve set priorities, identified areas of overlap, and ensured that we’re all aligned on the best opportunities for growth.