The mega deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard is faltering again. (Image source: GIGA)
Before Microsoft can reap the benefits of the biggest gaming deal of all time, the acquisition of Activision Blizzard must first be approved by the authorities in several countries. However, the British monopoly guards are currently still skeptical. In the worst case, they could blow the whole deal.
British authority investigates Microsoft deal
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reports doubts about Microsoft’sMega deal to buy Activision Blizzard on. In a press release, the monopoly guardians express their fears that Microsoft could use Activision Blizzard’s games to harm the competition. After all, with the Xbox Series X | S, Microsoft already controls one of the three important game consoles, the Azure cloud platform and the Windows PC operating system.
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Microsoft can therefore popular games like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft either no longer provide them at all or only on worse terms for the competition in the gaming market. This would affect both current and future competition in the market for game subscriptions and cloud gaming (source: CMA)
We explain what you need to know about buying Activision Blizzard:
Microsoft must justify purchase of Activision Blizzard
Microsoft and Activision Blizzard now have five business days to refute the CMA’s concerns with their own statements. If this does not succeed, a “Phase 2 investigation” initiated. Internal documents are also used to assess the risk. In the worst case, the investigation can end with the deal not being approved.
So far, Microsoft has been exemplary and emphasizes whenever possible that, for example, Call of Duty will continue to be released for the PlayStation. However, the shooter will also be included in the Game Pass along with games like Overwatch and Diablo after the deal closes. At a price of 68 billion US dollars, Microsoft also wants to use the new games.
