The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has been the talk of the gaming industry for a long time now, but recent allegations of harassment by Sony against Microsoft have added a new layer of complexity to the story. According to sources close to the situation, Microsoft had been trying to acquire information regarding several top executives from Sony, but Sony is now alleging that Microsoft’s tactics in doing so were inappropriate and constituted harassment.
Axios reported that during the “discovery” phase of Microsoft’s legal battle with the US’ Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over Microsoft’s proposed $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft requested access to Sony executive files, including performance reviews. Sony, however, saw the matter in a whole different light, taking a firm stance on the subject. According to the company:
Microsoft’s demand for performance reviews for SIE’s leadership is obvious harassment. Even in employment cases, courts require a specific showing of relevance before requiring production of personnel files. This is not an employment case.”
To make matters worse for Microsoft, even the presiding Judge, D. Michael Chappell, agreed with Sony, saying that: “SIE has demonstrated good cause for the requested relief.”
Sony is very unhappy with all the documents Microsoft is asking for in the Activision FTC case. They want at least seven PlayStation execs' files
To wit, from Sony: "Microsoft’s demand for performance reviews for SIE’s leadership is obvious harassment" https://t.co/PNSk7YbuvF
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) February 9, 2023
This isn’t the first time something like this has come to light; earlier this year, Microsoft claimed that Sony intentionally withheld employee information that was necessary for the company to move forward with the investigative procedure.
While this is a major development in the already-tense relationship between Sony and Microsoft in the gaming industry, it is important to understand that the two companies have long been rivals, with each wanting to dominate the market and establish themselves as the leading player in the industry.
As for who is right, the gaming community is divided on the issue, with some taking Sony’s side and others defending Microsoft. Some believe that the company was simply trying to investigate and expand its reach, while others view the actions as unethical and a breach of professional conduct.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that the Activision Blizzard acquisition and the subsequent allegations of harassment have added fuel to the already-competitive relationship between Sony and Microsoft. It remains to be seen how the deal pans out, however till then, we will keep you updated of any developments as new information becomes available.
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