UK Block is “Far from the Final Word” on Microsoft Deal – Activision Blizzard CEO

"We’re confident in our case because the facts are on our side: this deal is good for competition," says Bobby Kotick.

Posted By | On 26th, Apr. 2023

activision blizzard logo

Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard has hit its biggest stumbling block yet, with the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) having officially blocked the deal in light of concerns over how it could impact competition and innovation in the cloud streaming market. Microsoft has said that it remains “fully committed” to the acquisition and will be appealing the CMA’s decision, and Activision Blizzard is, as you would expect, on the same page.

In a publicly published statement, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has said that the CMA blocking the acquisition is “far from the final word” on the deal, and that Microsoft and Activision Blizzard remain confident.

“Today, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), a regulatory agency in the UK, decided not to approve our merger with Microsoft. This isn’t the news we wanted – but it is far from the final word on this deal,” Kotick wrote. “Alongside Microsoft, we can and will contest this decision, and we’ve already begun the work to appeal to the UK Competition Appeals Tribunal. We’re confident in our case because the facts are on our side: this deal is good for competition.”

Kotick went on to say that should Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard be approved, it go to “benefit employees, the broader UK tech workforce, and players around the world.”

“The UK hopes to grow its leadership position in technology, and a combined Microsoft-Activision would accomplish exactly that,” Kotick wrote. “At a time when the fields of machine learning and artificial intelligence are thriving, we know the UK market would benefit from Microsoft’s bench strength in both domains, as well as our ability to put those technologies to use immediately. By contrast, if the CMA’s decision holds, it would stifle investment, competition, and job creation throughout the UK gaming industry.”

The proposed acquisition is facing potential issues elsewhere as well, with the United States’ Federal Trade Commission having filed an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft and the European Commission also investigating the deal. Allegedly, reports have claimed that the latter is likely to approve the deal, but until recently, that’s what was being reported about the CMA as well.


Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out!

Keep On Reading!

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reveals Modest PC Requirements

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Reveals Modest PC Requirements

Sandfall Interactive and Kepler Interactive's turn-based RPG will release for PC and current-gen consoles in A...

Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Accessibility Features Detailed

Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Accessibility Features Detailed

UX director Jonathan Bedard says the open-world action RPG's accessibility options aim to "elevate [the] exper...

DOOM: The Dark Ages Will Also Launch for Nintendo Switch 2 – Rumour

DOOM: The Dark Ages Will Also Launch for Nintendo Switch 2 – Rumour

The shooter's announcement for the upcoming console is being withheld by Nintendo, a prominent leaker has clai...

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake Will Launch Late Spring/Early Summer – Rumour

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake Will Launch Late Spring/Early Summer – Rumour

The open world action RPG is rumoured to be in development for PC and current-gen consoles at Virtuos and Beth...

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 Battle and Story Demos Out Now on PS4 and PS5

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 Battle and Story Demos Out Now on PS4 and PS5

The Battle demo allows you to play through the Märchen Garten with two unique parties, while the Story demo c...

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Will Not Have a Point of Interest “Every 50 Meters”

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Will Not Have a Point of Interest “Every 50 Meters”

Visiting Japan for researching the game had the developers realise that Assassin's Creed Shadows doesn't need ...