Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella appeared on CNBC this week to discuss the future of the company, including what’s next for Team Xbox. Of course, this discussion has raised questions about the Activision Blizzard acquisition and how Microsoft is responding to ongoing regulatory approval processes around the world.
In response to a question about Microsoft’s confidence in the deal, Nadella went a bit far on how regulators, and the industry in general, should see how much market share Japan has in the gaming industry. video. Here’s what Microsoft’s CEO had to say about it:
“Yes them [the regulators] think seriously about the competition, they really have to ask themselves ‘is this going to be useful to bring more competition?’ Well, think about it, there are people who make more money from games that don’t even make games. Maybe we should look at this.
So even if you look at the console market, we should probably consider Microsoft’s share of the console market in Japan as a question that maybe someone should ask and say, “Oh wow, I wonder why this It’s, it’s small. Maybe they should start competing more [in Japan].’
So I hope regulators take an approach that really wins over gamers, wins over all publishers.”
Of course, Activision Blizzard isn’t exactly known for its Japanese content, but Microsoft clearly believes that integrating the company and its IP would help Xbox close the gap with Nintendo and Sony, fueling growth in the region.
However, shortly after Nadella’s TV appearance, the UK’s CMA released its latest report on the acquisition, and it’s not a very rosy prospect. Although the outcome of the authority’s investigation is still pending, the regulator said the deal could be “harmful” to the industry, even proposing measures such as scrapping Call of Duty altogether.
For now, investigations continue as Microsoft pushes for this deal. Perhaps this calendar year we will see the end of the ActiBlizz saga? We can certainly hope so.
What is your opinion on these comments? Will this agreement have an impact in Japan? Let us know your thoughts.
Ben is a fan of action, racing, and direct fire in every video game he can get his hands on. When he’s not playing, Ben spends his time listening to too many Guns N’ Roses, watching football, and probably eating somewhere.