Microsoft Subpoenaes PlayStation For Defense Against FTC Lawsuit

PlayStation/Sony Interactive Entertainment isn’t a fan of Microsoft buying Activision Blizzard, as they’ve stated time and again over the past few months. The company that made Xbox isn’t taking this lying down and has served Sony Interactive Entertainment a subpoena.

This is to help build its defence against a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit. The subpoena demands Sony to divulge details of PlayStation’s game production pipeline. The information may include confidential details that Sony would be reluctant to share with its rival if possible, though it is relevant to Microsoft’s case. Here are the notes on the recent filing:

“Negotiations between SIE and Microsoft as to the scope of SIE’s production and a discovery schedule are ongoing.”

Sony has until 27 January to move to limit, quash, or respond to the subpoena. Previously, Sony and FTC have expressed worry that the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal could reduce PlayStation’s ability to compete. Microsoft and Activision have argued that their merger would be pro-competitive and benefit consumers by making the Call of Duty publisher’s games more broadly available.