Xbox’s takeover of Activision Blizzard appears to be close to completion in the UK as the Competition and Markets Authority today narrowed its ‘scope of concerns’ over the deal, including over the “reduced competition”.
Basically, the CMA no longer believes the deal poses a threat to the console market, which means Sony’s concerns about Obligation now they are falling on deaf ears. Here’s a bit of what the CMA had to say in its latest press release:
“After reviewing the additional evidence provided, we have now tentatively concluded that the merger will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in console gaming services, as the cost to Microsoft of retaining PlayStation’s Call of Duty would outweigh on any gain resulting from such action.”
While it may appear that the CMA is fully supportive of the acquisition, it is noted later in the press release that today’s interim findings have no bearing on the CMA’s current concerns. regarding the cloud gaming market, there is therefore still a lot to be resolved before the regulator issues its final verdict at the end of April.
“Our preliminary view that this agreement raises concerns in the cloud gaming market is unaffected by today’s announcement. Our investigation is still ongoing and should be completed by the end of of the month of April.”
It’s not over yet, but today certainly marks a big step forward for Microsoft’s bid to secure approval for its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in the UK. Hopefully we’re almost there, folks!
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments section below.
(source gov.uk)
Fraser has an unhealthy obsession with all things Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead series and has extensive knowledge of Xbox sports games. He also supports Walsall FC, that West Midlands team you’ve never heard of.