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Microsoft’s buyout of Activision Blizzard “could lead to competition concerns” say UK regulatorsAn in-depth second phase investigation will now go ahead
An in-depth second phase investigation will now go ahead
Xbox & Bethesda 2022 Games Showcase - The 10 Biggest AnnouncementsHere are our picks for the ten biggest announcements from this year’s Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase.Watch on YouTube
Xbox & Bethesda 2022 Games Showcase - The 10 Biggest Announcements
“Following our Phase 1 investigation, we are concerned that Microsoft could use its control over popular games like Call of Duty andWorld of Warcraftpost-merger to harm rivals, including recent and future rivals in multi-game subscription services and cloud gaming,” Sorcha O’Carroll, Senior Director of Mergers at the CMA, said. Microsoft have alreadybeen through thiswith the New Zealand Commerce Commission back in June.
Microsoft Gaming’s CEO Phil Spencer hasresponded publiclyto the CMA’s decision with a statement titled “gaming for everyone, everywhere”. Spencer acknowledged that Microsoft intend to bring Activision Blizzard’s stable of games, includingOverwatch, Diablo and Call Of Duty, to the Game Pass streaming service in the future. He also committed Microsoft to making Call Of Duty available on PlayStation the same day it launches on other platforms, with version parity, pointing to the example of Minecraft as a cross-platform success story.
You can read the CMA’s full report on their findings from the first stage of investigationhere. This is usually the point where I bring up how the consolidation of the games industry is continuing apace. That might not be the case, this time. I’ll continue to bring you any more developments as the CMA’s investigation into the deal continues.
