Microsoft's acquisition of game developer Activision Blizzard, estimated at approximately 65 billion euros, is nearing completion following clearance from various regulatory bodies. Announced in early 2022, this takeover includes prominent games such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft under Activision Blizzard's portfolio.
The British Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) was the final regulator to evaluate the acquisition, initially expressing reservations due to potential implications for Microsoft's influence in the online gaming, especially cloud gaming, domains. To alleviate the CMA's concerns, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard committed to transferring streaming rights of Activision games to the French publisher, Ubisoft, for fifteen years.
The CMA believes that this step will prevent Microsoft from gaining excessive control within the gaming sector. It is worth noting that the European Commission, among other international competition authorities, did not express opposition to the takeover. Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA, highlighted their efforts to maintain a competitive gaming industry landscape.
