When asked if that's a strategy Microsoft could adopt should the CMA's decision not be reversed, Satya Nadella said, "Let's wait for it all to play out."
Though it respects the European Commission's "different view," the Competition and Markets Authority "stands by its decision."
Microsoft has committed to measures that “address the competition concerns" and "represent a significant improvement for cloud gaming."
Announced last year, the mobile battle royale shooter seems to have been delayed into November, based on its updated App Store page.
In the wake of the UK's CMA blocking the proposed acquisition, the deal is set to be approved by the European Commission, it's been claimed.
Microsoft has hired a lawyer known for repeatedly defeating the EU regulator as it looks to overturn the CMA's decision.
Should Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard fail to go through, the company will still have to cough up $3 billion as a breakup fee.
Nware will be able to stream Xbox-developed PC games, as well as Activision Blizzard titles "after the acquisition closes."
"We’re confident in our case because the facts are on our side: this deal is good for competition," says Bobby Kotick.
The decision "rejects a pragmatic path to address competition concerns and discourages technology innovation and investment in the UK,” said Microsoft.
The authority the deal would "would alter the future of the fast-growing cloud gaming market," leading to "less choice for UK gamers."
The Financial Times reports that the UK's Competition and Markets Authority is likely to approve the $69 billion acquisition.
The FTC specifically subpoenaed Nintendo of America's Steve Singer for up to seven hours of testimony regarding the deal.
PlayStation boss Jim Ryan believes that a degraded version of Call of Duty on PlayStation would cause irreparable harm to the company.
Both Sony and Microsoft have released statements in response to the UK CMA's softened stance on the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick insists that the company's relationship with Sony won't be affected in spite of its efforts to block the Microsoft acquisition.
The Commission concluded its investigation, stating the merger "would not substantially restrict competition in certain business fields."
The UK's regulatory body has released a statement where it believes that the merger won't harm competition in the gaming console market.
The EU and Microsoft are more interested in potential problems in the cloud gaming market than the console market, going by the lack of Sony's name in statements.
Microsoft is arguing against Sony's claims of the importance of Call of Duty by pointing out that Sony can make its own competitor to the shooter franchise.