Microsoft’s Buying Up Activision Blizzard? UK’s Gonna Dig Deep into This One!

Microsoft might have to put their merger plans with Activision Blizzard on hold for now. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority is digging deeper into the proposed takeover, concerned that it could harm competition in the country.

The Investigation and Microsoft’s Response

The Authority announced on September 1st that they would be launching a more thorough investigation, giving Microsoft a deadline of September 8th to suggest any concessions. However, Microsoft chose not to propose any, leading to increased scrutiny from the CMA. Microsoft President Brad Smith stated that his company is willing to work with the CMA to ensure that people have more access to games, not less.

Potential Delay and Compromises

While the investigation may not necessarily block the merger, it could cause significant delays and require Microsoft to make more compromises. Both companies have expressed their willingness to cooperate with regulators, with Microsoft assuring that Call of Duty will still be available on PlayStation consoles. Unless the CMA raises strong objections, it seems more a matter of when the merger will happen rather than if it will happen at all.