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UK CMA: Microsoft – Activision deal could harm UK gamers
- ecf 4y agoSomeone enlighten me as to what possible say a European court has regarding the merger of two US companies? Are they planning to block Microsoft from doing business in the country? How would that not be harming gamers MORE?
- Oras 4y ago> Xbox and PlayStation compete closely with each other at present and access to the most important content, like CoD, is an important part of that competition. Reducing this competition between Microsoft and Sony could result in all gamers seeing higher prices, reduced range, lower quality, and worse service in gaming consoles over time.
- guidedlight 4y agoI believe this deal will ultimately go through. The CMA’s concerns appear to be mostly about Call of Duty, whereas Microsoft appears to be mostly interested in Activision Blizzard’s mobile gaming business. Perhaps Microsoft could agree to exclude Call of Duty from the acquisition, as a possible remedy.
- saos 4y agoAmazing news. I hope they stick with that decision
- guidedlight 4y agoA notice of remedies has also been published https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e376bdd3bf7f173ad1cee4/Notice_of_possible_remedies.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e376bdd3bf7... The CMA will not demand structural separation for the deal to proceed. However Microsoft must ensure current ip does not become exclusive. There is no mention of Candy Crush, King, or mobile gaming.
- rvz 4y agoNo surprise about the UK regulator's decision and already knew that they would block it in advance. [0] This is obviously horizontal integration. Plain and simple. I would expect Microsoft to attempt to appeal this. [0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32690178 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32690178