Devendra Kumar
Microsoft’s historic takeover of Activision Blizzard has sealed its fate in the gaming industry. The $69 billion deal, initially blocked by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority due to concerns over the potential impact on the cloud computer game market, has finally been approved after Microsoft agreed to remove cloud gaming rights from the deal. The completion of the acquisition will allow Microsoft to expand its gaming portfolio, potentially leading to new innovations and features.
Activision Blizzard, the company behind popular games such as World of Warcraft and Candy Crush, has welcomed the CMA’s approval, hailing it as great news for its future with Microsoft. The company looks forward to becoming part of the Xbox team, and Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, expressed gratitude for the approval, stating that the acquisition will benefit players and the gaming industry worldwide. Smith praised the CMA’s decision, stating that it will send a positive message to businesses that the UK is a welcoming place to start a business.
The deal’s implications for the gaming industry are significant, marking the end of a lengthy and complex regulatory process. Microsoft’s president hailed the acquisition as a major milestone, which will allow the company to expand its gaming portfolio and potentially lead to new innovations and features. The acquisition will give Microsoft control over some of the most popular video games, including World of Warcraft and Call of Duty, allowing the company to expand its cloud gaming service, xCloud, and offer its customers access to a wider range of games.
The deal will also give Microsoft a stronger foothold in the mobile gaming market, where Activision Blizzard has a significant presence. As a result, the acquisition will likely have a significant impact on the gaming industry, potentially leading to new innovations and features, and solidifying Microsoft’s position as a major player in the industry.