Concerns over Microsofts Activision Blizzard acquisition; and Australias BlueScope cartel lawsuit
Microsoft\u2019s play for Activision Blizzard \u2014 the company behind games such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft \u2014 could prompt some regulatory soul-searching in the United States. The merging companies say the $68.7 deal will make more games available and lower consumer costs. But the merger is a vertical one and it may tap into the Federal Trade Commission\u2019s growing concerns over Big Tech snapping up companies in new, innovative markets. Also on today\u2019s podcast, Australia\u2019s action-packed BlueScope Steel cartel trial. Court hearings have involved heated clashes over the use of language and an itemized bill pointing to the alcohol consumption of key witnesses.