Microsoft has gained access to many of Sony’s internal documents regarding its deal with Activision Blizzard – something the PlayStation maker vehemently rejects.
Sony has emerged as a significant takeover opponent, and Microsoft hopes the decision will allow it to gain influence from US regulators ahead of its decision.
A judge has now ruled that Microsoft can review Sony’s communications with regulators about the Activision deal and details of Sony’s exclusivity agreements with game publishers dating back to 2019.
The news comes just a week after a landmark hearing in Brussels attended by senior officials from Microsoft, Activision, Sony, and Google.
Eurogamer is reporting live from a subsequent press conference in which Microsoft President Brad Smith announced that, in addition to his previous agreement with Nintendo, an agreement was reached with Nvidia to support the acquisition to drum up support.
With an imminent decision on a deal, Microsoft has yet to convince a top trio of regulators of the merits of the record-breaking buyout: the EU European Commission, the US Federal Trade Commission and the UK Competition and Markets Authority.
