Rather than diminishing, doubts surrounding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision only seem to be increasing. More than a year after the news that the Redmond company had signed a 69 billion agreement to bring Call of Duty publishers home, the operation is still being examined by the antitrust authorities of various countries. Among these, the British Competition and Markets Authority which, despite having postponed the final decision to April 26, has published a series of objections and proposed some solutions to give the green light to the deal.
Among the doubts expressed, the CMA recognizes the risk that Microsoft could establish itself further in the cloud gaming sector, also adding some relative naiveties on the burden that would weigh on players forced to buy “expensive consoles”, in stark contrast to the very nature of the cloud gaming. For there to be a green light, CMA suggests Microsoft “give up” on Call of Duty leaving the studios that deal with it out of the deal. Although Phil Spencer has declared his primary interest in Blizzard, King and related expertise in the mobile field, leaving one of the most profitable brands in the gaming market on the plate could make the agreement lose much of its attractiveness.
According to some, the objections raised by the CMA represent an important obstacle to the conclusion of the agreement. As already mentioned, the ‘niet’ is not yet formal but the changes requested could discourage even the incurable optimists. It is not of this opinion that Activision who, through a spokesman, has granted some statements to the Rock Paper Shotgun portal. Activision now wants to “help the CMA better understand our industry.” A declaration of intent followed by another statement that looks like a promise: “we want to promote a scenario where people can be confident that they are making good choices at honest prices”.
Echoes Bobby Kotick, current CEO of Activision. In an internal email to employees, Kotick says he feels confident that everything will be fine. “The law is on our side,” says the manager. In this regard, the dispute in court with the US Federal Trade Commission continues. To the American institution, Microsoft has contested some profiles of unconstitutionality.
Fonte: Rock Paper Shotgun
