According to foreign technology media VGC reports, Microsoft has recently issued a subpoena to Sony Interactive Entertainment, asking Sony to disclose information about the game release schedule, or PlayStation game development. Microsoft’s move is a counter-attack against Sony in the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
The company’s main focus is on the development of new games for the PlayStation. But Sony has applied for an extension until 27 January to respond.
The document reads: “SIE and Microsoft are engaged in negotiations regarding the scope of production and release schedule of SIE, and SIE requests an extension of the deadline for SIE to take action to restrain or revoke or otherwise respond to the subpoena so that SIE and Microsoft can continue negotiations to eliminate or narrow any issues that need to be brought to court for resolution “.
Early last December the FTC had asked a judge to block the deal on the grounds that it would give Microsoft’s home TV console Xbox exclusive access to Activision games, sidelining Nintendo consoles and Sony Group’s PlayStation.
FTC attorney James Weingarten said in a brief pre-trial telephone hearing that the two sides were not currently engaged in “substantive” settlement talks.
Microsoft argued that the deal would benefit both gamers and the game company, and offered to sign a legally binding consent decree with the FTC to provide Call of Duty games to competitors, including Sony, for a period of 10 years.
