The European Commission voted this week to approve Microsoft’s plans to acquire Activision Blizzard. It comes just weeks after the British authorities chose to block the purchase.
Microsoft promises that Activision Blizzard games will be available to all cloud gaming providers.
European Commission
In a press release explains the commission that the purchase will not prevent competition in the console market. There was still concern about so-called “cloud gaming”, but approval was given on the basis of new promises from Microsoft.
The Xbox maker promises that if Activision Blizzard games become available via the cloud in the future, the purchase of these will include free access to stream them via all platforms that offer game streaming.
In a Twitter message, Microsoft CEO Brad Smith confirmed that this will not only apply in Europe, but also on a global basis.
The article continues below the Twitter message.
Concerns about cloud gaming were the main reason why the British Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the purchase. Therefore, it was not inconceivable that the new promises from Microsoft could make the supervisory authority change its mind, but not at the time.
On Twitter CMA writes that the agreement, which has now been approved by the European Commission, gives Microsoft total control over the cloud market for the next ten years. The Authority therefore does not agree with the decision, and is sticking to its position on the matter.
Microsoft has said it plans to appeal the CMA ruling. As VGC reports, the company has reportedly hired Daniel Beard, an expert lawyer in European competition law, to lead the fight against the British.
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2023-05-16 00:49:06
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