Sorry, but I'm not sure what precedents there are for a case like this, and thus how predictable the outcome is likely to be.
I'm also somewhat skeptical of this being in any way characterized as being an issue of MS vs Sony. Its an issue that will have ramifications for the entire sector even if Sony does stand to lose the most based on the present status quo.
Sony did not bring this case to the FTC for arbitration, they simply exercised their right to present their objections, which makes them witnesses as opposed to plaintiffs in a legal sense.
Sony’s objections and viewpoints have been the lynchpin for the FTC’s prosecution—while they’re not officially in bed together, the heavy use of Sony’s arguments by the FTC make it look like the FTC is a proxy for Sony.
And there’s *some* precedent, but not much. But it doesn’t help that the FTC’s argument is ham-fisted and weak at best, and the FTC’s drubbing in court (per a large number of analysts who watch these cases for a living) was fueling the speculation about a preliminary injunction in favor of Microsoft.
That, and the FTC’s poor showing is why the suggestions of the FTC possibly cutting a deal and approving the deal but with minor concessions is also likely…if Microsoft will allow it to happen (it’s to Microsoft’s benefit to continue and pad testimony to address/head off potential appeal issues). The FTC can’t afford to lose this (or any) case horribly as it sets a precedent that other companies could weaponize against the FTC down the road).
If we’re being optimistic, then the FTC is smart and they’re playing the long game…and will cut a deal and end the case, as it’s not just video games that this case could apply to.
I get that this board is full of Sony fanbois, but the current reality is that this deal will go through—the question is if it is with caveats, or if it will be litigated more via appeal in the US…and what happens when the UK ruling is in a minority. Personally…I hope it’s with caveats and that Blizzard and it’s licenses/devs were spun off to be independent again…but that’s just selfish thinking on my part.