Update May 10, 2025, 10:53am GMT: This article previously stated that Microsoft was seeking details of PlayStation’s game production pipeline, but the quote in question was actually referencing document production. VGC regrets this error.
Microsoft has served Sony Interactive Entertainment with a subpoena as it looks to build its defence against a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit.
According to a court filing, theXboxmaker wantsSonyto divulge information it believes is relevant to its case, which may include confidential details that Sony would be reluctant to share with its rival if possible.
“Negotiations between SIE andMicrosoftas to the scope of SIE’s production and a discovery schedule are ongoing,” the filing reads, referencing unspecified documents it has requested.
Following a week-long extension, Sony has until January 27 to move to limit, quash or otherwise respond to the subpoena.
In December, the FTC announced plans to sue Microsoft ina bid to stop its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which the regulator argues would enable the company to “suppress competitors” to its Xbox console, subscription content and cloud gaming business.
Among other concerns, the FTC and Sony have expressed worries that the deal couldsignificantly reduce PlayStation’s ability to compete, given that it would see Microsoft gain ownership of the Call of Duty series, whichSony has called “irreplaceable”.
In their responses to the FTC’s complaint,Microsoft and Activision have arguedthat their merger would be procompetitive and benefit consumers by making the Call of Duty publisher’s games more broadly available.
Further reading
In a bid to address regulatory concerns, Microsoft recently said it hadoffered Sony a 10-year, legally enforceable contractto make each new Call of Duty game available on PlayStation the same day it comes to Xbox.
The FTC said earlier this month that therehad been no “substantive” settlement talks with Microsoftover the proposed acquisition. If it goes to trial, the case will be judged during hearings set to take place in August 2023.
