Microsoft and Activision Blizzard Move Closer to Deal After UK CMA Update

Microsoft's efforts to acquire Activision Blizzard have been met with much anticipation in the gaming world. After over a year of waiting, the deal could soon be finalized if the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) greenlights the merger. Recently, the CMA released a statement indicating that its concerns about making the Call of Duty series exclusive to Xbox have been alleviated, bringing Microsoft closer than ever to achieving its goal. However, some issues remain that must be addressed before the merger can be finalized.

Microsoft's Statement on the CMA Update

Microsoft has expressed its gratitude for the CMA's "rigorous and thorough assessment of the evidence" and has offered to continue working with the regulatory body to address any remaining concerns. According to a representative of the Redmond giant, the deal will provide more players with more choices in how they play Call of Duty and their favorite games. They are eager to work with the CMA to resolve any outstanding issues.

Activision Blizzard's Response

A spokesperson for Activision Blizzard expressed satisfaction with the CMA's recent statement, noting that it reflects an enhanced grasp of the console gaming landscape and an intention to uphold the interests of players and competitive practices. The representative also remarked that Sony's efforts to maintain its market supremacy have not borne fruit, emphasizing that Microsoft has proposed viable and binding solutions to resolve any outstanding issues the CMA has identified.

What Issues Still Need to be Resolved?

Although the CMA has provided an encouraging update recently, there are still lingering worries about how the merger might adversely affect the cloud gaming industry. The CMA has yet to provide an official statement on the matter, so it is unclear what steps Microsoft and Activision Blizzard need to take in order to satisfy the regulatory body and finalize the deal.

The Potential Benefits of the Merger

Upon finalization, the deal could yield numerous advantages for the gaming sector. Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard could lead to greater innovation in gaming, as well as increased competition and more choice for consumers. Additionally, it could open up new opportunities for collaboration between the two companies, leading to the release of new and exciting games.

Conclusion

At this point, it is unclear when the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard will be finalized. However, the recent update from the CMA is a positive step in the right direction, and the two companies remain confident that they will be able to address any remaining concerns and complete the merger. If successful, this could lead to many exciting new opportunities for gamers.