The U.S. Justice Department has filed an antitrust lawsuit to block Microsoft’s planned $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard. The lawsuit alleges that the deal would allow Microsoft to suppress competitors to its Xbox game consoles and its rapidly growing subscription content and cloud-gaming business. Microsoft, maker of the Xbox, has been seeking approval from U.S. and global regulators for the merger, which was announced in January 2022. The Federal Trade Commission, which enforces antitrust laws, has also been scrutinizing the deal. The Justice Department’s case was joined by nine states, including California and New York. Microsoft has argued that the deal would benefit gamers and gaming companies alike.