The regulator issued a preliminary opinion on the transaction between Microsoft and Activision

3 years ago

Microsoft has some problems. The UK Antimonopoly Authority sees a threat to gamers in the company's deal with Activision. They noted that Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard could cause significant harm to UK players. For example, this can lead to substantial increases in prices, a reduction in innovation, and a reduction in choice.

The CMA noted that, at the moment, companies have the right to refuse the voiced concerns and make an informed decision regarding the transaction.

The CMA launched an investigation into this agreement in July, then continued in September. The conclusion was published on February 8th. Companies can now see a list of possible solutions to this problem.

Note that this is only a preliminary opinion of CMA. It can be seen as a call to solve a problem. Now the company has every right to answer the questions posed and make some changes.

So, it is assumed that the decision will be made before April 26th. Although earlier they wanted to settle everything on March 1st, the deadline was extended due to the need to analyze an impressive amount of various evidence.

Recall that Microsoft first announced its agreement with Activision last year. Regulators have expressed concern that the company could make it harder for competing platforms to access Activision's best-known video games.