Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and many Xbox executives are set to defend its FTC case
By Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft, PC gaming, console, and tech. He founded WinRumors, a site dedicated to Microsoft news, before joining The Verge in 2012.
Microsoft is sending CEO Satya Nadella, Xbox chief Phil Spencer, and many other Xbox executives to defend against its Federal Trade Commission (FTC) case for its proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition.
Both Nadella and Activision CEO Bobby Kotick will appear in court this week to defend against a potential preliminary injunction against Microsoft’s giant $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard. If the FTC is successful in winning an injunction, then Microsoft has admitted in court filings that the deal could well be over.
The list of Microsoft and Xbox executives also includes Sarah Bond, head of Xbox creator experience; Microsoft CFO Amy Hood; Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios; and Microsoft Gaming CFO Tim Stuart. Lori Wright, who previously testified for Microsoft at the Epic Games v. Apple trial, will also appear. Activision’s CFO, Armin Zerza, will also testify.
Sony’s PlayStation chief, Jim Ryan, will also testify via video link to discuss market competition. Microsoft was quick to point out that Sony — a vocal opponent of the merger — won’t appear in person at the courtroom in San Francisco. “Unlike Sony, our most senior executives will testify in person to answer any questions about our business strategy. This deal means more choice for gamers, a fact that only becomes clearer the more you look at the case,” says David Cuddy, general manager of public affairs at Microsoft, in a statement to The Verge.
A lot rests on this hearing for Microsoft after the FTC filed to block Microsoft from buying Activision Blizzard last week. The
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