Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been closely scrutinized by competition regulators globally, and in the UK the Competition and Markets Authority has decided to initiate a second phase of investigation into the deal. . The CMA has expressed several concerns regarding the $68.7 billion acquisition, which it says could have a major impact on Sony if Microsoft decides to offer Xbox exclusive Activision Blizzard content.
Microsoft denied those claims, adding that the CMA had passed on Sony’s complaints without performing an appropriate level of critical review. According to Microsoft (via Game industry). game” is not a reliable argument.
“In short, Sony is not easily swayed by a hypothetical foreclosure strategy, and the Referral Decision is based on Sony’s self-service claims that are inaccurate,” Microsoft said. may not welcome increased competition, but it is adaptable and competitive. Gamers will ultimately benefit from this increased competition and choice.”
Microsoft again mentioned that it plans to keep Call of Duty as a variety franchise, and that making it an Xbox exclusive would “stain both the Call of Duty and Xbox franchises.” If consumers choose to switch from PlayStation to Xbox, Microsoft says this will be because its platform offers more choice and value when compared to Sony. “It’s the kind of consumer conversion behavior that the CMA should consider welfare-enhancing and actually encourage. It’s not something the CMA should be trying to prevent,” Microsoft explains.
The CMA will release preliminary results from the second phase of the investigation in January, with the final report released on March 1. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick backed the dealand in a series of legal documents published by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense of Brazil, it was revealed that Xbox Game Pass for consoles generated $2.9 billion in revenue in 2021.
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