Microsoft’s plan to buy Activision Blizzard has caused a huge shock in the gaming industry. With this acquisition, Microsoft will own popular game series such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch and Diablo. It will also acquire Activision Blizzard’s 10,000 employees.
This acquisition, however, did not come easily. Many countries and territories have reviewed whether this transaction complies with competition rules. Some were concerned that Microsoft was gaining a dominant position in the cloud gaming market. Others drew attention to the harassment and discrimination scandals within Activision Blizzard.
“Gamers around the world will be able to play more games on more devices”
According to IGN’s report, the Chinese State Administration has unconditionally approved Microsoft’s attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard. This decision followed approval decisions from regions such as the European Union and Japan. Thus, the number of countries and regions that have approved this transaction has increased to 37.
A Microsoft spokesperson told IGN: “China’s unconditional approval of our acquisition of Activision Blizzard followed approval decisions from regions such as the European Union and Japan. Thus, the number of countries and regions that have approved this transaction is two. “This acquisition, along with our recent commitments to the European Commission, will enable consumers around the world to play more games on more devices.”
One of the parties that did not approve this transaction was the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA blocked the transaction on the grounds that it could lead to Microsoft’s monopoly in the nascent cloud gaming market. Microsoft, on the other hand, announced that it plans to appeal the UK’s decision. The transaction is not yet confirmed in the US either. The US Federal Trade Commission is expected to make its decision in court in August.
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