Microsoft subpoenas Sony in lawsuit in FTC demanding information from PlayStation division

Microsoft has asked Sony Interactive Entertainment in the lawsuit opened by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

According to the documents, the Xbox manufacturer wants Sony to disclose details about the production of its games in the PlayStation division.

The information, which Microsoft deems to be relevant to the case, may include confidential details, which would make Sony reluctant to share it with its rival.

In the document, it is revealed that Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft negotiate on the scope of production and schedule. The Japanese company has until close of today respond to their rival’s request.

In December, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it intends to sue Microsoft to prevent the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. According to the regulator, the deal would allow Microsoft to dominate its competitors with the Xbox console, subscription content and cloud games.

Among other concerns, the regulator and Sony cite that the deal could significantly reduce PlayStation’s ability to compete, as Microsoft would have control of the Call of Duty franchise, which the Japanese company considers “irreplaceable.”

In response to the Federal Trade Commission, Microsoft and Activision argued that the deal would benefit consumers, as call of duty publisher games would be available more widely on the market.

If the case is actually settled in court, the expectation is that the trial will begin in August 2023.