Friday, September 16th 2022
Microsoft's Activision-Blizzard Acquisition Hits UK and EU Regulatory Hurdles
Microsoft's USD $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision-Blizzard is running into hurdles with competition regulators in both the UK and the EU, with both Brussels and London hinting at a thorough investigation into the impact the acquisition will have on competition in their respective markets. Microsoft is already a game publisher under Microsoft Games Studio, and makes at least two leading gaming platforms—the Xbox and Windows PC; whereas Activision-Blizzard own a constellation of dozens of game developers, and a mountain of IP over some of the most valuable game franchises of all time.
Britain's Competition and Markets Authority has hinted that the acquisition warrants a "second-phase investigation" since it has concerns that the deal would "result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom." Over in Brussels, the EU market regulators, too, are taking a closer look at what the deal could entail for European consumers. Sony Computer Entertainment is particularly unhappy with the acquisition, and is the primary source of opposition to the deal that's invoked by regulators. Sony fears that with this acquisition, Microsoft will be in a position to deny popular game franchises such as "Call of Duty" to the PlayStation platform, and will have too much control over whether Sony can deliver an experience comparable or better than that of the Xbox.
Many Thanks to DeathtoGnomes for the tip.
Source:
Gamesindustry.biz
Britain's Competition and Markets Authority has hinted that the acquisition warrants a "second-phase investigation" since it has concerns that the deal would "result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom." Over in Brussels, the EU market regulators, too, are taking a closer look at what the deal could entail for European consumers. Sony Computer Entertainment is particularly unhappy with the acquisition, and is the primary source of opposition to the deal that's invoked by regulators. Sony fears that with this acquisition, Microsoft will be in a position to deny popular game franchises such as "Call of Duty" to the PlayStation platform, and will have too much control over whether Sony can deliver an experience comparable or better than that of the Xbox.
44 Comments on Microsoft's Activision-Blizzard Acquisition Hits UK and EU Regulatory Hurdles
This dude had warned ya about capitalism:
Microsoft went "why don't I buy the biggest juggernaut of the gaming world".
How could you seriously refer to that as the same practice?If Minecraft was worth 4+ billion, AB is well worth 60.
Also do not forget about other big publishers: Ubisoft, EA, Take2, Sega, THQ Nordic, Capcom... Does aquisition of Activision-Blizzard constitutes a monopoly of market, when all those remain? IMHO, hardly.
Edit: changed word "great" for "big", for better understanding