The FTC is seeking a preliminary injunction to block
Microsoft from completing its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft has argued that if the court grants an injunction it would
effectively kill the deal, which has a termination date of July 18 and contains
a $3 billion termination fee that Microsoft would have to pay.
The hearing will begin on June 22 and progress through June
29.
The FTC has argued the transaction would give Microsoft's
video game console Xbox exclusive access to Activision games, leaving Nintendo
consoles and Sony Group's PlayStation out in the cold.
Microsoft's bid to acquire the Call of Duty video game maker
was approved by the EU in May, but British competition authorities blocked the
takeover in April.
The FTC is calling Nadella to testify about the video game
industry, Microsoft Gaming's strategy and business and the planned Activision
acquisition, while Microsoft is calling him to testify about similar topics.
Kotick will testify about Activision's gaming business,
future plans, and strategies. Other witnesses on the list include Sony
Interactive Entertainment CEO James Ryan and Dov Zimring, former director of
product management for the now shuttered gaming service Stadia at Alphabet's
Google.
Also testifying are two executives from Nvidia.
Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood, Microsoft Gaming
CEO Phil Spencer and Microsoft Gaming CFO Tim Stuart are also scheduled to
testify, as are a number of expert witnesses.