The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority has approved Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of video game publisher Activision Blizzard, removing the final regulatory hurdle for a deal that was first announced in January last year.
The CMA approval opens the door for Microsoft to finally complete its acquisition of Activision ... [+]
The CMA said Microsoft’s restructured deal—which transfers the cloud gaming rights for Activision Blizzard’s game to French publisher Ubisoft in some markets—addresses its concerns about competition in the emerging cloud gaming space.
The regulator said Microsoft’s concession with regards to cloud gaming is a “gamechanger that will promote competition” and preserve “competitive prices” for cloud gamers in the U.K.
The restructured deal means that Microsoft will not control the cloud gaming rights for Activision Blizzard’s games outside the EU—giving Ubisoft these rights for 15 years.
The deal allows Ubisoft to license Activision’s games for Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service, along with competitors like Sony.
Microsoft President Brad Smith applauded the decision, saying: “We’re grateful for the CMA’s thorough review and decision today. We have now crossed the final regulatory hurdle to close this acquisition, which we believe will benefit players and the gaming industry worldwide.”
This is a developing story.