HBO’s The Last of Us has been turning heads all over the internet, but you may not have expected the hit video game adaptation to get dragged into the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard merger situation.
On TwitterActivision Blizzard CCO Lulu Cheng Meservey called attention to the show’s success, writing, “It’s a true blockbuster, watched by tens of millions… You may be particularly interested in the fact that The Last of Us is produced by Sony Pictures Television and PlayStation Productions.”
Hi @FTC — did you catch last night’s episode of The Last of Us? It was incredible.
No wonder the show is breaking records. It’s a true blockbuster, watched by tens of millions.
If you haven’t already, you should check it out. You may be particularly interested in that fact pic.twitter.com/MhcT0DmOsM
— Lulu Cheng Meservey (@lulumeservey) January 30, 2023
Meservey went on to argue that The Last of Us’ success and subsequent renewed interest in the video game means there’s no cause for concern that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard would suppress competition.
“Sony has an unrivaled wealth of IP, not just in gaming but TV, movies, and music — which can be developed into games, or can market existing games,” Meservey continued. “It’s no wonder they also continue to dominate as the market leader for consoles. In gaming, Sony is ‘the first of us’ – and they will be just fine without the FTC’s protection.”
This is another example of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard either tearing themselves down or boosting Sony up in an attempt to push the merger through. Microsoft has previously called PlayStation too big to fail while saying Xbox has a “number of significant disadvantages” compared to its rival platforms.