The UK has finally given the go-ahead for Microsoft's proposed purchase of Activision Blizzard, a deal worth a staggering $69 billion (£57 billion). This acquisition is set to be the largest ever in the gaming industry and will give Microsoft and Xbox unprecedented power.
A Game-Changing Acquisition
Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard will grant them control over a vast library of first-party games, including popular titles like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, and Candy Crush. With this acquisition, Microsoft can now decide which consoles these games will launch on and whether they will be available on Game Pass.
Competition Concerns
The size of this deal raised concerns among competition authorities worldwide, who discussed the potential impact of Microsoft's dominant position in the industry. While most countries swiftly approved the acquisition, the UK was initially hesitant.
Cloud Gaming at the Forefront
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) expressed concerns about the rise of cloud gaming and its potential impact on the industry. They required Microsoft to address these concerns by handing over the cloud gaming rights of Activision Blizzard to Ubisoft.
A Last Resort Averted
Prior to the UK's decision, there were talks of Microsoft pulling out of the country, which would have resulted in Call of Duty being banned. However, Microsoft held out hope that the UK would eventually approve the deal, and their patience paid off.
If you're interested in learning more about the Activision Blizzard deal in the UK, check out our comprehensive round-up.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
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