The FTC, a group that makes sure companies follow the rules, is unhappy with Microsoft. Microsoft made Xbox Game Pass more expensive and changed some things about it. The FTC thinks Microsoft is not playing fair and is trying to control the market after buying another company called Activision Blizzard. Read from source...

1. The article is biased towards Microsoft, presenting the company as a victim of the FTC's disapproval, without considering the consumers' perspective or the implications of the price increase on the gaming industry.
2. The article lacks an objective analysis of the factors that led to the price increase, such as inflation, economic factors, and the impact of the Activision Blizzard acquisition on Microsoft's market power.
3. The article does not provide any data or evidence to support its claims that the new standard tier is a "degraded product" or that Microsoft's reduced investments in output and product quality will harm consumers.
4. The article uses emotional language, such as "inevitable", "degraded", and "criticizes", to manipulate the readers' emotions and create a negative image of the FTC and Microsoft's competitors.
5. The article fails to mention any potential benefits or alternatives for consumers, such as the availability of other gaming platforms, services, or deals that might offset the price increase or offer more value.
6. The article does not address the legal and regulatory challenges that Microsoft faces, such as the ongoing appeal by the FTC and the CMA, and how they might affect the future of the Xbox Game Pass and the gaming industry.

Neutral

Reasoning:
The article discusses the FTC's criticism of Microsoft's decision to increase the prices of its Xbox Game Pass and introduce a new "degraded" standard tier. The FTC argues that this move is a sign of market power post-merger with Activision Blizzard. However, the article also mentions that the price increase was expected, and the changes were announced after the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Therefore, the sentiment of the article is neutral, as it presents both the FTC's disapproval and the context for the decision.