Google, Nvidia raise more issues in Microsoft-Activision deal - Bloomberg
Christian Petersen

Google (GOOG) (GOOGL) and Nvidia (NVDA) have joined in on expressing concerns about Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) $69B deal to acquire Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI), Bloomberg reports.
That adds to sharp objections from PlayStation maker Sony (SONY), which said that Microsoft could make Activision's hits like the Call of Duty franchise exclusive to its Xbox console or for its Xbox Game pass streaming service. The Federal Trade Commission, largely armed with the Sony arguments, filed suit to block the giant deal on Dec. 8.
Google and Nvidia are supplying fuel for a key FTC objection - that the deal could give Microsoft unfair advantage in the burgeoning cloud, subscription and mobile gaming market - though Nvidia isn't directly opposing the deal, according to the report.
While Sony is considered the most obvious direct competitor to Microsoft's Xbox console, Google competes with Microsoft in cloud computing and its Android mobile system is key to mobile gaming. Nvidia (NVDA) represents a major player in gaming, as part of a graphics hardware duopoly whose cards are highly sought by computer gamers.
The two companies also have dipped toes in the streaming-games space. Google's Stadia effort has now been shuttered, while Nvidia launched its GeForce Now offering in 2020.
Microsoft has argued that regulators are giving too much weight to Sony's concerns about competition, but the new issues help boost the FTC's contention that Microsoft might tie more exclusive content to its Xbox Game Pass.