Microsoft Xbox Console Upgrade Leaks Activision Deal Approval Drags

Microsoft is planning for an Xbox console refresh and launching new video games as it seeks to strengthen its dominance in the multibillion-dollar gaming industry. The revelations became clear after his software giant mistakenly shared confidential information of its video game operations on a federal court website.

Xbox Console Leak

The documents shared on the website were part of exhibits that the company is trying to use to lure the FTC to approve its proposed $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard. The information shared mistakenly also includes discussions the company held as part of its push to acquire Nintendo.  Given that some of the information shared on the website included nonpublic information, they have been deleted from the website.

The FTC insists it was not responsible for uploading the crucial data. The mishap occurred from Microsoft’s side when it uploaded key data and evidence as part of its ongoing case with the FTC over the Activision Blizzard acquisition push.

Nevertheless, the damage has already been done, given that information regarding new console upcoming titles, mergers, and acquisitions is usually a closely guarded secret. The information mistakenly shared about Xbox consoles will be closely followed and analyzed by competitors looking to gain a piece of the multi-billion gaming industry.

Microsoft has sought to discredit the information that was accidentally leaked. Video game chief Phil Spencer has already poured cold water on sharing any trade secrets, insisting that the information on the website is outdated and that so much has changed.

The leaked information showing Microsoft intends to update its Xbox console contrasts revelations made in June. At the time, Spencer insisted there were no plans or need to update the current Xbox. However,   it is a known secret that the company is working on new features for its consoles as it looks to fend off any threat posed by Sony, one of the biggest players in the console business.

Nevertheless, it is not the first time that crucial information has leaked mistakenly. In June of this year, Sony found itself in a similar debacle after confidential documents leaked. The documents contained data showing the amount of revenue that the Japanese company generated from Activision’s Call of Duty and the game development costs it incurred.

Microsoft Activision Merger

Since Microsoft announced plans to acquire Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, enforcement agencies worldwide have adopted divergent views in response. The European Union antitrust commission and the South African Competition Tribunal have both approved the merger. In the United Kingdom, the Competition and Markets Authority has blocked the deal with the FTC yet to make a decision, although it has shown signs of opposing it.

Activision’s Call of Duty game has become the main center of attention for enforcers, raking in billions of dollars in sales since inception.

There are growing concerns that a merger between Microsoft and Activision will lessen competition in the cloud gaming market, given the amount of power the combined company will wield. There is growing concern that Microsoft will limit access to the Call of Duty game.  Activision Blizzard has sought to push for approval in the US and the UK by announcing plans to sell its streaming rights to Ubisoft Entertainment.