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☆ Roblox beta comes to Meta's Quest VR headsets
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

July 12 (Reuters) - Roblox Corp's (RBLX.N) eponymous online game will soon be available on Meta Platforms' (META.O) Quest virtual reality (VR) headsets, according to a blog post by Meta on Wednesday. The game will arrive as a beta version, initially on Quest 2 and Quest Pro, in the coming weeks. "The open beta is a great opportunity for the Roblox developer community to optimize their existing games for Quest and build new ones for VR while gathering input and feedback from the Quest community," Meta said. Roblox, which operates a metaverse – or a virtual place where people play and make transactions, gets 66 million daily users and is available on mobile devices, desktops, and Microsoft's (MSFT.O) Xbox. Reporting by Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh KuberOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Meta, Yuvraj Malik, Shailesh Organizations: Meta, Quest Pro, Quest, VR, Thomson Locations: Bengaluru

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Persons: it's, you'll, Price, Robin, You'll, Price Dave, Dave, Buster's, you've, Elaine Benes, we've Organizations: Amazon Prime, Amazon, GameStop, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cheesecake, Regal, GAP Locations: Grubhub, California

☆ Microsoft-Activision deal not yet game on
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Karen Kwok | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Britain’s antitrust regulator also indicated it was open to new concessions, but the parties will have to renegotiate their deal and get it approved. Two developments on Tuesday increased the odds of Microsoft getting the deal down the line. That’s a rapid change of tone from May, when the watchdog concluded blocking the Microsoft-Activision deal is the “only effective and proportionate way forward." As a result, Activision’s share price jumped 11% on Tuesday, its narrowest spread to Microsoft’s $95-a-share offer since the deal was announced. The agency's concern was that the deal would potentially preclude the availability of those videogames on other platforms.

Persons: hasn’t, Satya Nadella, it’s, ”, Brad Smith, Bobby Kotick, Lauren Silva Laughlin, Sharon Lam Organizations: Reuters, Federal Trade Commission, Activision Blizzard, Microsoft, Markets Authority, Activision, FTC, CMA, Financial, Thomson Locations: U.S, San Francisco

WASHINGTON, July 11 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge ruled on Tuesday that Microsoft may go forward with its planned acquisition of videogame maker Activision Blizzard, turning aside antitrust enforcers' request for a preliminary injunction to temporarily stop the $69 billion deal. The FTC had originally asked the judge to stop the proposed deal, arguing it would give Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O), maker of the Xbox gaming console, exclusive access to Activision (ATVI.O) games including the best-selling "Call of Duty." The deal would be the largest for Microsoft and the biggest in the history of the videogame business. The FTC's complaint had cited concerns about loss of competition in console gaming, as well as subscriptions and cloud gaming. And while much of the testimony in the recent trial focused on "Call of Duty," Activision produces other bestsellers like "World of Warcraft," "Diablo" and the mobile game "Candy Crush Saga."

Persons: Jacqueline Scott Corley, Douglas Farrar, we'll, Brad Smith, Bobby Kotick, Satya Nadella, Diane Bartz, Caitlin Webber Organizations: Microsoft, Activision, Britain's, Markets Authority, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Microsoft Corp, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo, Sony Group, Activision Blizzard, PlayStation, Thomson Locations: U.S, San Francisco

Activision shares surged 10% on the day, as the U.S. and Britain have been the two countries opposed to what would be Microsoft's biggest deal ever and the largest transaction in the videogame industry's history. Microsoft shares rose 64 cents to $332.47. Microsoft logo is seen on a smartphone placed on displayed Activision Blizzard's games characters in this illustration taken January 18, 2022. "It does seem like the Microsoft and the CMA could work out a deal within the next couple of weeks," said D.A. The FTC's complaint had cited concerns about loss of competition in console gaming, as well as subscriptions and cloud gaming.

Persons: Jacqueline Scott Corley, ”, Joost Van Dreunen, University's, Corley, Douglas Farrar, we'll, Dado Ruvic, Biden, Brad Smith, Franco Granda, Satya Nadella, Diane Bartz, David Shepardson, Jaspreet Singh, Aditya Soni, Chris Sanders, Caitlin Webber, Matthew Lewis David Gregorio, Muralikumar Organizations: Activision, Microsoft, Biden, U.S, Markets Authority, University's Stern School of Business, U.S . Federal Trade Commission, Nintendo, Sony Group, FTC, Sony PlayStation, REUTERS, FOCUS Gaming, CMA, Davidson &, PlayStation, Thomson Locations: WASHINGTON, U.S, British, Britain, San Francisco, New, Washington, Bengaluru

☆ FTC would face tough appeal of Microsoft-Activision order -experts
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Mike Scarcella | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

She gave the FTC until Friday to seek an order in the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. The FTC had no immediate comment on whether it would appeal and what arguments it might make before a three-judge panel. "The FTC may have difficulty on appeal establishing that fact - without which the case as they framed it goes away," Crane said. In her 53-page order, Corley said it was not enough for the FTC to argue that "a merger might lessen competition - the FTC must show the merger will probably substantially lessen competition." A trial before an administrative law judge at the FTC begins on Aug. 2.

Persons: Jacqueline Scott Corley, Corley, Daniel Crane, Crane, Luke Hasskamp, Robert Lande, Joseph Alioto, Alioto, Mike Scarcella, Matthew Lewis Organizations: U.S . Federal Trade Commission, Microsoft, Activision, Circuit, Appeals, FTC, University of Michigan Law School, University of Baltimore, Thomson Locations: U.S, San Francisco, Washington

☆ Activision Blizzard jumps 11% after judge rules Microsoft can buy the video game publisher in a win over FTC
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Max Adams | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Activision Blizzard stock popped 11% after a judge paved the way for Microsoft to complete its takeover of the game publisher. She said the deal would in fact enhance access to popular game franchises like "Call of Duty" and other titles published by Activision. The company has said it is concerned that Microsoft will make popular franchises like "Call of Duty" exclusive to its consoles. Microsoft has said it doesn't intent to do this, but critics point to the firm's $11 billion takeover of Zenimax in 2021. The deal can now proceed before a hearing that the FTC had scheduled for August, in which it was set to challenge the merger.

Persons: Microsoft's, Jaqueline Scott Corley, Biden, Bobby Kotick Organizations: Activision Blizzard, Microsoft, Federal Trade Commission, Service, Privacy, US, FTC, Activision, That's, Sony, Xbox Locations: Wall, Silicon, Zenimax

Amazon Prime Day is here, and we're rounding up all the best Prime Day deals, including discounts on monitors for gaming and home offices. Popular brands like Samsung, LG, and Dell have discounted monitors by 20% or more, and we've sorted through the selection to find the best Prime Day monitor deals. Top 3 monitor dealsBest Prime Day monitor deals LG's UltraFine 4K monitor is being discounted right now for Prime Day. For more details on how to find a great monitor, check out our guides to the best computer monitor and best gaming monitor. You can also check out our best gaming PC and best gaming laptop guides for more computer hardware recommendations.

Persons: We've, it's, Price Organizations: Amazon, Samsung, LG, Dell, Asus, Prime, SAMSUNG, Deal LG, Netflix, YouTube, ASUS, Monitor Samsung, Computer

☆ Microsoft can close its Activision merger, federal judge rules
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —A federal judge will not block Microsoft (MSFT) from closing its $69 billion deal to acquire video game giant Activision Blizzard, a defeat for US regulators who had asked for a temporary injunction while legal challenges to the merger unfold. Microsoft could potentially finalize the deal with Activision in a matter of days, ahead of a July 18 contractual deadline, or the parties could mutually seek to extend that timeframe. During a five-day hearing last month in federal court, Microsoft executives including CEO Satya Nadella testified that properties such as “Call of Duty” would not be restricted from competitors following the deal’s close. UK officials also previously moved to block the Activision merger in April, citing some of the same concerns the FTC raised in its case and triggering an appeal from Microsoft. “Microsoft and Activision have agreed with the CMA that a stay of the litigation in the UK would be in the public interest and the parties have made a joint submission … to this effect.”

Persons: ”, “, Jacqueline Scott Corley, Corley, Satya Nadella, Tuesday’s, Microsoft’s, “ We’re, Brad Smith, we’ve, Bobby Kotick, Meta’s, ” Douglas Farrar, we’ll, ” Smith Organizations: CNN, Microsoft, Activision, US, Court, Northern, Northern District of, Sony PlayStation, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Regulators, Nvidia, Nintendo, “, PlayStation, Appeals, Ninth Circuit, Markets, CMA Locations: Northern District, Northern District of California, ”, San Francisco

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Persons: They're Organizations: Amazon, Seagate, Prime, PlayStation

The Razer Wolverine V2 gaming controller for Xbox and PC is on sale during Amazon Prime Day, with both versions of the controller discounted by up to 49%. If you're searcing for more deals coverage, be sure to check out our roundup of all the best Prime Day PC gaming deals and our liveblog with all of the best Prime Day deals across every category. Great Price Razer Wolverine V2 Wired Controller With adjustable triggers and the clickiest buttons on the market, Razer's Wolverine V2 is a great controller. Great Price Razer Wolverine v2 Chroma Gaming Controller Razer's customizable wired controller for Xbox and PC is selling for one of the lowest prices we've seen during Amazon Prime Day. For more gaming recommendations, check out our guides to the best PC controller for gaming, best gaming PC, and best gaming laptops.

Persons: Price Razer Organizations: Razer Wolverine, Amazon

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Persons: Price, 4TB, it's, It’s, xD Organizations: Amazon, Lexar, Western Digital, PlayStation, Seagate, Nintendo, Western, Samsung, Price, PRO, Secure Digital Locations: Seagate

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Persons: We're, we've, Amazon’s, eero, AirPods, Price, it's, Price Roku, Dolby, you've, Max, Price Casper, Casper, It's, Coop, Rich, wicks, Price Bowflex, Garmin Venu, Venu, you’ve, Riley C.E.O, Sunday Riley, It’s, it’s, Murad Retinol, Kit Burt's, Kit, you'll, LaCroix, seltzer, Foodi, Fryer, fryer, they're, Price Arlo, Dyson, Collar, You'll, Gray Organizations: Amazon, Alexa, Amazon's, Echo Studio, Music, Prime, Price Apple, Samsung, Apple, LG, Amazon Prime, Walmart, Casper, Health, Fitness, Price Garmin, Garmin, Optimum, Theragun's, Sunbeam, Sunday, Panasonic, Amazon Deal, Energy, AA, Black, Steam, Quart, Deal LG, Fire, Price LG, PlayStation, Google, MacBook Air, Asus, Mobile, Lenovo, ASUS, Monitor, Seagate, Deal Samsung Galaxy, Galaxy, Fujifilm, TSA Locations: Siena, Birch, Sol, it's, sharpener

The best Prime Day TV dealsDeal icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. $79.99 from Amazon Originally $149.99 Save 47%Deal icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Deal Samsung 75-inch QN90B 4K QLED TV This 75-inch Samsung Neo QLED is an excellent high-end alternative for buyers who don't want an OLED TV. $719.99 from Amazon Originally $1,049.99 Save 31%Insignia 43-inch Class F30 Series 4K TV This Insignia Fire TV offers 4K quality and Amazon Fire Smart TV functionality in an affordable package. $99.00 from Amazon Originally $129.00 Save 23%Deal icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.

Persons: we'll, Price, It's, we've, Apple AirPods Organizations: Prime Day, Amazon, Price LG, LG, PlayStation, Samsung, Dolby, Fire, Apple, Price Apple

That's why this deal on Hisense's 50-inch U6 QLED TV is worth checking out. As early Prime Day deals go, for anyone who's a Prime member, it's one of the best we've seen. One of the best TV deals for Prime DayHisense 50-inch U6HF QLED 4K Fire TV This 50-inch 4K display has Amazon's Fire TV platform built-in for easy access to tons of popular streaming apps. Now just $299.99, this is an incredible value for a QLED TV. In fact, the newest line makes an appearance in our lineup of the best 4K TVs.

Persons: they're, who's, it's Organizations: Sony, Samsung, LG, Dolby Vision, PlayStation

☆ Microsoft CFO Amy Hood warned employees not to 'build a gold toilet'
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Jordan Novet | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

From left, Tim Stuart, chief financial officer of Xbox at Microsoft; Phil Spencer, Microsoft's CEO of gaming; and Microsoft finance chief Amy Hood arrive to court in San Francisco on June 29, 2023. Microsoft's finance chief advised employees not to "build a gold toilet" during a 2018 meeting, according to emails that came up during federal court hearings last month over the software maker's planned Activision Blizzard acquisition. The quip might invoke a 2016 social-media claim (proven false by Snopes) that former President Donald Trump owned a solid gold toilet. "I've made that mistake on too many products, and I'm sure everyone else has too, when we've built features before we answered the core questions," Gluckstein wrote. Read the emails from Spencer and Gluckstein regarding Hood's "gold toilet" comments below.

Persons: Tim Stuart, Phil Spencer, Amy Hood, Donald Trump, MC Hammer, Catherine Gluckstein, Gluckstein, Xbox's, I've, we've, Spencer, xCloud, it's Organizations: Xbox, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Bluetooth, TAM, Cloud, Google, Federal Trade Commission Locations: San Francisco

The gaming-centric WD Black SN850 M.2 NVMe SSD (bundled with the mandatory heatsink) consistently tops lists of the best internal SSDs for PS5, and it's now $90. This is the lowest price we've ever seen for this specific kit, and it's a great deal for PS5 storage in general. The best deal on an internal SSD for PS5WD Black SN850 1TB SSD with Heatsink This WD Black SN850 is a gaming-ready M.2 NVME SSD. Lower than ever, this PS5-ready model includes a heatsink, and it offers a sizable speed boost compared to the PS5's internal storage, with read speeds up to 7,000MB/s. Many gamers can get by with double the storage, which is exactly the jump you'll take by installing the 1TB WD SN850.

Persons: it's, you've, you'll Organizations: PlayStation, AAA

☆ The biggest takeaways from Microsoft's courtroom showdown with the FTC over Activision Blizzard
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Jordan Novet | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +21 min

The impulse to expand Microsoft's gaming business on mobile devices at least in part inspired the Activision acquisition. The impulse to expand Microsoft's gaming business on mobile devices at least in part inspired the Activision acquisition. Jim Ryan, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, wasn't happy with a Microsoft-generated list of Activision Blizzard games that would remain accessible on the PlayStation after the acquisition closes. Jim Ryan, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, wasn't happy with a Microsoft-generated list of Activision Blizzard games that would remain accessible on the PlayStation after the acquisition closes. Activision Blizzard and Microsoft have agreed to terminate the deal if it's not done by July 18.

Persons: Satya Nadella, Phil Spencer, Spencer, James Weingarten, Weingarten, Jim Ryan, Sony, Ryan, Amy Hood, Bobby Kotick, Sarah Bond, Kotick, Amazon Weingarten, Bond, Tim Stuart, Nadella, Bernstein, Mark Moerdler, Hood, Stuart, it's, Jacqueline Scott Corley, she'll Organizations: Northern, Northern District of, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Sony, PlayStation, Mobile, Activision, Xbox, Zynga, Sega Sammy, Nintendo, Enix, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Management, Sony Group, Amazon, Microsoft's Xbox, Bernstein Research, Symantec, Sony PlayStation Locations: U.S, Northern District, Northern District of California, San Francisco, cybersecurity, United Kingdom, FarmVille, Asia, Japan, Tokyo

That would leave Nintendo (7974.T) and Sony Group (6758.T) out in the cold, the FTC has said. Asked if Microsoft would have any incentive to shut out Sony's PlayStation in order to sell more Microsoft Xbox consoles, Nadella responded: "It makes no economic sense and no strategic sense." To address the FTC concerns, Microsoft has agreed to license "Call of Duty" to rivals. The FTC has asked Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in San Francisco to temporarily stop the deal from closing in order to allow the agency's in-house judge to decide the case. Resolving the U.S. lawsuit is one of several key antitrust battles Microsoft and Activision have fought around the world.

Persons: Microsoft Corporation Satya Nadella, Read, Satya Nadella, Nadella, Jacqueline Scott Corley, Biden, Bobby Kotick, Diane Bartz, Lincoln Organizations: Microsoft Corporation, . Federal Trade Commission, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Federal Trade Commission, Activision, Nintendo, Sony Group, FTC, PlayStation, European Union, Thomson Locations: California, Downtown San Francisco , California, U.S, WASHINGTON, San Francisco

The deal had been announced in January 2022 and the FTC sued to stop it in December last year. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in San Francisco pressed FTC lawyers on where their economist got the data to show the deal would harm consumers. The FTC has said that if Microsoft bought Activision, Microsoft would have the incentive and the ability to harm competition in markets related to consoles, subscription game services and cloud gaming. "The harm here is we think is substantial in locking up Activision content," said FTC lawyer James Weingarten. To address the FTC concerns, Microsoft has agreed to license "Call of Duty" to rivals.

Persons: Microsoft Corporation Satya Nadella, Read, Microsoft's, Jacqueline Scott Corley, James Weingarten, Corley, Microsoft's Beth Wilkinson, it's, Satya Nadella, Nadella, Biden, Diane Bartz, Lincoln Organizations: Microsoft Corporation, . Federal Trade Commission, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, U.S . Federal Trade, Activision, Federal Trade Commission, Nintendo, Sony Group, FTC, PlayStation, Thomson Locations: California, Downtown San Francisco , California, U.S, WASHINGTON, San Francisco, British, Canada

☆ Minecraft developers quit Reddit after company's controversial changes
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( Hayden Field | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In the latest blow to Reddit after its controversial billing changes, the makers of Minecraft — one of the best-selling video games of all time — have quit the platform. "Reddit management introduced changes recently that have led to rule and moderation changes across many subreddits," a tech lead at Mojang Studios, the Microsoft-owned company behind Minecraft, posted on the r/Minecraft Reddit community Tuesday. "Because of these changes, we no longer feel that Reddit is an appropriate place to post official content or refer our players to." An update to the post clarified that it is not an official policy for all of Mojang Studios, Xbox or Microsoft. The protests included the wildly popular r/Funny, with more than 40 million members, along with r/Music and r/Science, each boasting more than 30 million users.

Persons: Minecraft, —, Reddit Organizations: Mojang Studios, Microsoft, Java, Xbox, Reddit, Guinness World Records, CNBC

"You would have a revolt if you were to remove the game from one platform," said Kotick. He said that removing "Call of Duty" from PlayStation, which is made by Sony Group (6758.T), would be "very detrimental" to Activision's business. The Federal Trade Commission has asked a judge to stop the Microsoft acquisition temporarily in order to allow the agency's in-house judge to decide the case. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is scheduled to testify on Wednesday afternoon before Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in federal court. The agency says the transaction would give Microsoft, which makes the Xbox console, exclusive access to Activision games, leaving Nintendo (7974.T) and Sony Group out in the cold.

Persons: Bobby Kotick, Kotick, Satya Nadella, Jacqueline Scott Corley, Biden, Diane Bartz, Greg Bensinger, Matthew Lewis Organizations: FRANCISCO, Activision, Microsoft, PlayStation, Sony Group, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Nintendo, Britain's, Markets Authority, Thomson Locations: United States, Washington, San Francisco

☆ 10 Things in Tech: Digital nomad regrets, a longevity researcher’s morning routine, and sun activity
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( Diamond Naga Siu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

In case you missed it: This is the last week of 10 Things in Tech. The EV company only has six gigafactories across the world: Fremont, California; Sparks, Nevada; Berlin; Shanghai; Austin, Texas; and Buffalo, New York. Each location is outfitted with solar panels, and Musk claims 100 gigafactories could supply the world with all of its energy. My colleague Graham Rapier takes us into the world of Tesla's gigafactories and breaks down what their futures could look like. In a world of remote work, they're trying to pay people the least amount of money to get work done (think freelancers and contractors).

Persons: I'm, Siu, let's, Elon Musk, Graham Rapier, gigafactories, Tyler Le, Allbirds, M0.0nshot, Gigi Chow, Elon Musk's, Walter Isaacson, it's, David Sinclair, Lewis Joly, cardiologists, Eid Mubarak, Diamond Naga Siu, Alistair Barr, Hallam Bullock Organizations: it's, EV, Employers, Paris Air, Storm Shadow, Interactive Entertainment, Tencent Locations: Tech, Fremont , California, Sparks , Nevada, Berlin, Shanghai, Austin , Texas, Buffalo , New York, Silicon, San Francisco, Croatia, Dubrovnik, Harvard, Le Bourget, Paris, France, Ukraine, New York, Florida, Barcelona, Spain, San Diego, Silicon Valley, London

☆ Microsoft and Activision Chiefs Testify Merger Will Benefit Consumers
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( Kellen Browning | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Satya Nadella, the chief executive of Microsoft, appeared in federal court on Wednesday to pledge his support for open platforms and consumer choice, underscoring the tech giant’s commitment to closing its $70 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard over regulators’ objections. “If it was up to me, I would love to get rid of the entire ‘exclusives on consoles,’” Mr. Nadella testified, rebutting claims from tech regulators that Microsoft’s deal for the video game giant would curtail competition and restrict Activision’s games only to players on Microsoft’s Xbox console. “I have no love for that world.”The fourth day of a hearing in U.S. District Court in San Francisco that could determine the deal’s outcome was the highest-profile session, with appearances by Mr. Nadella and Activision’s chief executive, Bobby Kotick. The Federal Trade Commission’s challenge of the blockbuster acquisition, led by its chair, Lina Khan, is viewed as a test of whether more aggressive efforts to curb tech giants can be successful. is seeking a preliminary injunction that would prohibit the companies from closing the deal before the agency has the chance to argue its case in its internal court.

Persons: Satya Nadella, ’, Nadella, rebutting, Bobby Kotick, Lina Khan Organizations: Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Federal Locations: U.S, San Francisco

The Federal Trade Commission has asked a judge to stop the proposed acquisition because, it argues, it would give Microsoft, maker of the Xbox console, exclusive access to Activision games, which include the highly popular "Call of Duty." Asked if Microsoft would have any incentive to refuse to allow the games on Sony's PlayStation in order to sell more of its Xbox consoles, Nadella responded, "It makes no economic sense and no strategic sense." To address the FTC concerns, Microsoft has agreed to license the blockbuster "Call of Duty" to rivals. It has also argued that it is better off financially by licensing the games to all comers. Kotick argued there was no incentive for Microsoft, if it closes the deal for Activision, to restrict who offers the company's games.

Persons: Microsoft Corporation Satya Nadella, Satya Nadella, Nadella, Jacqueline Scott Corley, Biden, Bobby Kotick, Kotick, Diane Bartz, Greg Bensinger, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Microsoft Corporation, . Federal Trade Commission, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, FRANCISCO, Activision, Federal Trade Commission, Nintendo, Sony Group, FTC, PlayStation, Britain's, Markets Authority, Thomson Locations: California, Downtown San Francisco , California, U.S, WASHINGTON, San Francisco, United States, Washington

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