Bad news for Microsoft and Xbox, as it was recently announced that theThe UK Competition and Markets Authority will enter Phase 2 in its purchase analysis of ActivisionBlizzard. This movement does not cancel the purchase, but assumes a delay in the times that Xbox could have calculated.
Among the statements surrounding this movement, the CMA (for its acronym in English) notes that the purchase of Microsoft by Activision Blizzard “would result in a substantial decrease in competition within one or more UK markets”.
In particular, Microsoft and Xbox were informed of the next phase of the investigation and second Financial Times, they had five business days to present evidence to allay the agency’s concerns. However, Microsoft has decided not to present any evidence, hoping Phase 2 can run its course smoothly..
Those who had something to say were Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, and Sony, via a press release. Activision CEO limited himself to saying that despite the new investigation, he expects me to buy it. be completed by the end of June 2023.
While Sony has released a broader statement through GamesIndustry.biz:
“By giving Microsoft control of Activision games such as Call of Duty, this agreement would have significant negative implications for gamers and the future of the video game industry. We want to ensure that PlayStation players continue to enjoy the highest quality gaming experience and we appreciate the attention of the CMA on the protection of the players “.
Previously, Xbox has made it clear that it is not looking to make Call of Duty an exclusive and that it will honor the agreements with PlayStation for several years beyond the latest agreement. Despite this, Sony and PlayStation have made it clear that they are afraid of losing a game like Call of Duty and believe that the new deal with Microsoft will not benefit players.
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