EU Approves Microsoft’s Deal to Buy Activision Blizzard
European regulators have given their approval for Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a significant win for the technology giant.
While concerns about potential competition issues were raised, Microsoft’s concessions were deemed sufficient to address antitrust concerns, according to a statement from the European Commission.
The commitments made by Microsoft include allowing European consumers to play Activision titles on any cloud gaming service for a period of 10 years.
Furthermore, Microsoft has pledged not to degrade the quality or content of its games on rival streaming platforms. The Commission stated that these commitments represent a substantial improvement for cloud game streaming compared to the current situation.
Although the European approval is a positive development, the Microsoft-Activision deal is facing challenges in the United States and the UK. Microsoft, in its statement, emphasized that its commitment to game streaming extends beyond the European Union.
The company highlighted that it will license popular Activision Blizzard games to competing cloud gaming services worldwide, allowing millions of consumers worldwide to play these games on any device of their choice.
Microsoft President Brad Smith expressed the global impact of the licensing requirement, while Activision CEO Bobby Kotick acknowledged the stringent nature of the requirements and pledged to expand investments in European Union workers.
Kotick expressed confidence in the growth and prosperity of their teams across various European countries, citing their skills, ambition, and government support as factors contributing to their ability to compete effectively on a global scale.
