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EU approval keeps Microsoft acquisition of Activision alive... just

16 May 2023
Access report

The EU's approval of the Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard enforces expansive pro-consumer remedies that are in stark contrast to the 'hard no' CMA decision in the UK.

Cloud gaming remains the wedge issue in a global standoff amongst regulators over reining in Microsoft and other big gaming platforms.

The overall deal is still in considerable, possibly terminal, trouble with the UK appeal and US lawsuit still to be resolved, and the FTC hearing due in August.

Related reports

Microsoft humbled by the CMA: Unsurprising and avoidable

27 April 2023

The CMA's decision to block Microsoft’s takeover of Activision reflects the lack of trust regulators have in Microsoft’s leadership and its future plans for game services.

The decision ultimately rewards Sony PlayStation, the market leader, which has little incentive now to transform its high-cost model, but will also stymie PlayStation's own acquisition ambitions.

Getting approval for the acquisition is difficult but not impossible. The European Commission may approve the deal in May. 

 

Access report

2023: A year of peril ahead for Microsoft and the games industry

17 February 2023

Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard is in trouble. US, UK, and European regulators may make the deal impossible for Microsoft—and a disaster for Activision and the wider industry. 

Sony’s late improvement in PlayStation 5 sales is only just enough to reach its target numbers for the year. It needs a more dynamic approach to a rapidly changing industry, and a less dogmatic message to consumers and regulators. 

Netflix Games is more than a trial—it’s on track to become a major games platform. 

Access report

  • Microsoft humbled by the CMA: Unsurprising and avoidable

    27 April 2023

    The CMA's decision to block Microsoft’s takeover of Activision reflects the lack of trust regulators have in Microsoft’s leadership and its future plans for game services.

    The decision ultimately rewards Sony PlayStation, the market leader, which has little incentive now to transform its high-cost model, but will also stymie PlayStation's own acquisition ambitions.

    Getting approval for the acquisition is difficult but not impossible. The European Commission may approve the deal in May. 

     

    Access report

  • 2023: A year of peril ahead for Microsoft and the games industry

    17 February 2023

    Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard is in trouble. US, UK, and European regulators may make the deal impossible for Microsoft—and a disaster for Activision and the wider industry. 

    Sony’s late improvement in PlayStation 5 sales is only just enough to reach its target numbers for the year. It needs a more dynamic approach to a rapidly changing industry, and a less dogmatic message to consumers and regulators. 

    Netflix Games is more than a trial—it’s on track to become a major games platform. 

    Access report