UK watchdog no longer thinks Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard merger is a threat to console competition (updated)
The recent decision by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to no longer consider Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard a threat to console competition is a significant victory for the tech giant. This is especially true given the recent European Commission’s decision to block the merger of Fox and Sky on the grounds that it would reduce competition in the UK pay-TV market.
Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard was originally announced in October of last year, and was seen as a direct response to Sony’s purchase of a majority stake inEpic Games. The acquisition made Microsoft the world’s largest video game publisher, and gave it a vast library of popular franchises, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush.
The CMA’s decision is a major win for Microsoft, and will likely lead to increased competition in the console market. This is good news for gamers, as it will likely lead to lower prices and more innovation in the gaming space.
