Microsoft and Team Xbox are set for further discussions this week regarding the company’s pending bid to acquire Activision Blizzard, this time with the UK Competition and Markets Authority. Prior to these talks, Xbox boss Phil Spencer had discussed the deal with British media outlet The Times.
In the interview, Spencer reveals that she reached out to Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida about the acquisition in January 2021, which apparently led to a “very cordial” conversation. However, Sony eventually opposed the acquisition, and several regulators are now also concerned about how it could harm the industry.
The Xbox boss still doesn’t understand some of these concerns:
“I don’t have a big reason for… how better competition on consoles is somehow detrimental to consumers.”
In the interview, Spencer goes on to point out that the fact that Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo are doing well in the console market with their own unique strengths and qualities gives consumers more choice. He also mentions that he would hate to see a scenario like the phone market where there are “only two manufacturers”, stating that there are currently “three good competitors” in the console market.
The “strategic angle” around the acquisition, according to Spencer, is to bolster Microsoft’s presence in mobile gaming, rather than anything to do with PlayStation’s involvement with Call of Duty.
Another thing that stands out is that for many regulators involved in the Activision Blizzard acquisition, it appears to be the first time they’ve properly scrutinized the gaming industry. He says he appreciates the chance to go through time with them and even to help educate them in certain circumstances.
In the end, what happens if the deal doesn’t go through? Well, you’ll be happy to know that the future of Xbox doesn’t depend on it, according to Phil Spencer; says it’s not a “pillar” for the brand’s long-term viability:
“This is an important acquisition for us. It’s not a long-term keystone: Xbox will exist if this deal doesn’t materialize.
So! The saga continues, Spencer would be in London this week before these talks with the CMA. We’ll have to wait and see if we get more details in the next few days…
What do you think of Phil Spencer’s comments here? Let us know below.
(source thetimes.co.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.