Microsoft’s restructured acquisition of Santa Monica video game giant Activision Blizzard “opens the door” to the deal being cleared, U.K. regulators said Friday, removing a major hurdle for closing what would be the gaming industry’s largest merger.
The deal was initially blocked by the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority in April, after the regulator raised concerns that the deal would harm competition in cloud-based gaming in the country.
Under the new agreement, Microsoft will not purchase the cloud gaming rights held by Activision, which will instead be sold to an independent third party, rival gaming firm Ubisoft.
As a result, Microsoft would not be in a position to limit access to Activision’s key content to its own cloud gaming service or to withhold those games from rivals, the Competition and Markets Authority said.
“The CMA’s position has been consistent throughout — this merger could only go ahead if competition, innovation, and choice in cloud gaming was preserved,” Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the Competition and Markets Authority, said in a statement. “In response to our original prohibition, Microsoft has now substantially restructured the deal, taking the necessary steps to address our original concerns.”
Microsoft announced the plan to buy Activision Blizzard — maker of popular gaming franchises including “Call of Duty” and “World of Warcraft” — for $68.7 billion in 2022.
“The sale of Activision’s cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft will prevent this important content — including games such as ‘Call of Duty,’ ‘Overwatch,’ and ‘World of Warcraft’ — from coming under the control of Microsoft in relation to cloud gaming,” the Competition and Markets Authority said.
The regulator said it had “limited residual concerns” with the new deal, but that Microsoft has put forward remedies that the CMA has provisionally concluded should address those issues.
The Competition and Markets Authority is now consulting on “remedies” before making a final decision.
“This approval is critical to completing our merger,” Activision Blizzard Chief Executive Bobby Kotick said in an email to employees. “This transaction will help us accelerate our ambitions for the future of gaming and enable us to better serve our players.”
Source link
Reach Out
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your specific needs. Our team is ready and eager to provide you with tailored solutions that align with your firm’s goals and enhance your digital marketing efforts. We look forward to helping you grow your law practice online.
Our Services:
Blog Post Writing
We do well-researched, timely, and engaging blog posts that resonate with your clientele, positioning you as a thought leader in your domain.
Content Writing
Beyond articles and content for blogs, we delve into comprehensive content pieces like eBooks, and case studies, tailored to showcase your expertise.
Website Content Writing: First impressions matter. Our content ensures your website reflects the professionalism, dedication, and expertise you bring to the table.
Social Media Management
In today’s interconnected world, your online presence extends to social platforms. We help you navigate this terrain, ensuring your voice is consistently represented and heard.
WordPress Website Maintenance
Your digital office should be as polished and functional as your physical one. We ensure your WordPress site remains updated, secure, and user-friendly.
For more information, ad placements in our attorney blog network, article requests, social media management, or listings on our top 10 attorney sites, reach out to us at canyoncrestguide@gmail.com.
Warm regards,
Canyon Crest Guide Newspaper

Whether you're a startup or an established brand, business directories offer an affordable, yet powerful tool to elevate your brand recognition and reach. Sign up, stand out, and let your business soar to new heights, sign up to one of our directory websites:
Canyon Crest Directory
Riverside Ca Business Directory
The Riverside Coupon Directory

Newspaper Ads Canyon Crest CA
Click To See Full Page Ads
Click To See Half Page Ads
Click To See Quarter Page Ads
Click To See Business Card Size Ads
If you have questions before you order, give me a call @ 951-235-3518
or email @ canyoncrestnewspaper@gmail.com
Canyon Crest Guide
5225 Canyon Crest Drive Ste.71 #854 Riverside CA 92507
Tony Ramos 951-235-3518
For great backlinks to your website sign up to one of our directory websites:
Canyon Crest Directory
Riverside Ca Business Directory
The Riverside Coupon Directory