Activision Blizzard Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Monopolisation of Call of Duty Competitions

Video game giant Activision Blizzard is facing a U.S. lawsuit alleging anticompetitive practices within its "Call of Duty" gaming ecosystem.

Professional gamers Hector Rodriguez and Seth Abner filed an antitrust lawsuit in Los Angeles federal court last week, claiming that Activision is unlawfully monopolising the Call of Duty leagues and tournaments market. The lawsuit alleges that Activision's actions have restricted competition in organised gaming for its flagship franchise.

Microsoft  acquired Activision last year for $69 billion, in a deal that still faces U.S. Federal Trade Commission scrutiny.

Activision, has been accused of imposing "draconian" contract provisions on teams and players, leading to the exclusion of those who did not comply with their demands.

The lawsuit highlights how Activision's acquisition of Major League Gaming in 2016 and subsequent establishment of its own league in 2019 stifled the competitive landscape. Despite the company's denial of the claims, it previously settled a lawsuit with the U.S. Justice Department over allegations of wage suppression in professional esports leagues.

The ongoing legal battle between Activision Blizzard and the professional gamers underscores the growing scrutiny of the gaming industry's practices.

- CyberBeat