Aquí, Microsoft beat new charts to facilitate the validation of the acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. In a well-crafted seduction operation, the Seattle giant gave the floor to Brad Smith, more comfortable with the exercise than a Spencer, to informador on the latest exchanges around the takeover. First with the European Commission, then later at a press conference.
A well-rehearsed choreography
Although we were not on site, the various media present reported the elements presented. What emerges is a well-orchestrated performance. Like this envelope, brandished by Smith, that the man would constantly have with him.
I walk around with an envelope that contains the final agreement that we sent to Sony two days before Christmas, I’m ready to sign it at any time.
A much more offensive actitud while maintaining a form of tact. Microsoft announces the color: they hear the grievances of the regulators, but the agreement will be on their condition. And this is not the only action that translates this approach to moving forward. Indeed, además de todo lo anterior, the American union CWA – which was able to form the first union within Microsoft last December – came to bring its weight in the balance. A boon for Microsoft, and yet, with a relatively low impact, having no direct influence on the decision of regulators. Nevertheless, the giant did not hesitate to include it in its presentation, taking all the sympathy capital it can get at no cost.
Complaints and concessions
Without embargo, other actors weighing more have been cited. Nvidia y Nintendo who now each have an agreement with Microsoft guaranteeing the presence of Obligation and the arrival of Xbox games on its service of cloud gaming for the first. It is this second announcement that can facilitate the decision of the regulators. Because yes, one of the main blocking points remains the subject of the cloud game.
On several occasions, the FTC as well as the CMA have expressed their fears about this future market and that of subscriptions. With the addition of Activision-Blizzard and King, Microsoft could become a very important player in this segment. The addition of the productions of the green brand to the catalog of its competitor thus sounds more like a concession to look good with the authorities.. Yes, the big winner here is not Microsoft, but Nvidia, which sees its offer consolidate at a lower cost and allows the Seattle giant to portray an image where it will not be the only dominant.
Of course, Microsoft is not the loser. A ten-year acuerdo above all increases the potential number of consumers of this format by helping competition to develop in a young market. Who can predict if the cloud game sueros sufficiently mature in the next decade? The risk is therefore measured for Microsoft while bringing additional stones to the vision that the company aims to create.
A treatment at all costs
After this umpteenth episode in the takeover, Microsoft seems ready to do anything to ensure that the illegal takeover is completed. Addressing one of the main points of friction in the European Union, the battle is not yet won. Although war was thought to be on North American territory, the giant paints an image of wanting to fight first on European soil. Is there confidence in the FTC’s approval of the takeover? It’s a track, but the pawns will above all be moved to our Old Continent.
Knowing that there is also another recommendation expressed by the CMA: structural changes. A separation of the activities of Obligation of Activision-Blizzard could soften the position and fears of the commission. Sin embargo, Microsoft does not hear it that way and has rechazó this track. We can only wait for the next twists and turns in the most publicized and tumultuous takeover since 21st Century Fox and Disney in 2018.