Tech giants Google and Nvidia recently expressed concerns about the latest Activision Blizzard deal that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to block. The companies apparently provided information that supports the FTC’s claim that Microsoft is gaining an unfair advantage in the cloud, mobile and subscription-based gaming industries. This comes from sources via Bloomberg, who wish to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the entire process.
Both Google and Nvidia have (or had) their own versions of cloud-based and/or subscription games, so the deal has some relevance to their operations. Google’s Stadia streaming service is set to shut down next week, with games already shutting down servers ahead of its final day. On the other hand, Nvidia boasted a user base of over 20 million last August with its streaming service, GeForce Now.
Google also has a stake in mobile gaming, as its Android operating system is home to thousands of games that generate billions in revenue. If Activision’s IP catalog merges with its already extensive collection of video game IPs, the FTC fears it will allow Microsoft to expand its already enticing Xbox Game Pass service.
However, it’s worth noting that Microsoft hasn’t let these statements go unchallenged. The company stated that these claims are given “too much weight”, and that the concerns raised by Sony are “self-serving”.
source: Bloomberg
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