Google and Nvidia have joined in on the opposition towards Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal. According to Bloomberg, both companies have joined alongside Sony and the Federal Trade Commission with their own list of concerns against the $69 billion deal. These concerns pertain to one of the FTC’s many claims, that Microsoft could gain an unfair advantage in mobile, subscription, and cloud gaming.
Google and NVIDIA have made great strides within the game industry in recent years. While Google’s failed cloud gaming service Google Stadia left much to be desired by all, the company continues to have a strong hold within the mobile gaming market. NVIDIA’s GeForce Now is considered to be a strong contender for cloud gaming against the services that Microsoft currently provides. Considering the variety of content that Activision Blizzard has in those specific areas, it’s unsurprising that Google and NVIDIA would be wary towards the acquisition.
Currently, it’s unknown how far the two companies will involve themselves, considering that much of their other concerns for the deal have yet to be revealed. Regardless, an unnamed source told Bloomberg that while NVIDIA didn’t directly oppose the acquisition, the company highlighted the need for equal and open access to game titles. Bloomberg also noted that both companies could potentially be called to testify when the FTC lawsuit goes to trial this coming August.
Microsoft Activision deal has been fraught with obstacles since its unveiling a year ago. Despite the concerns of competitors and domestic and foreign regulators, the company has remained steadfast in its belief in the deal. With other big names like Google and NVIDIA making their opinions known, it’s unknown who else might feel inspired to come forward.