2023-08-22 16:30:00
A new chapter is written in the purchase of Activision Blizzard Is it the beginning of the end?
The field of video games has been anything but calm in recent times. If you thought the acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft it was done, think again.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) just threw a pause switch by definitively blocking the transaction on British soil. Here we are to dissect all that this means and the possible future implications.
A play that changes the game
The CMA’s decision has not only left one of the biggest acquisitions in gaming history up in the air, it has also sparked a series of interesting events. Sarah Cardellexecutive director of the CMA, affirms that the agreement “as originally proposed cannot continue”, thus putting a stone on any prospect of moving forward under the initial terms. However, it’s not all bad news for fans of Call of Duty and other Activision titles.
The twist lies in a creative alternative from Microsoft: a collaboration with Ubisoft. In an effort to allay fears of monopolistic practices, Microsoft has reframed the deal. Under the new agreement, the “Activision’s cloud streaming rights outside the European Economic Area (EEA) will be sold to Ubisoft”.
This means that Ubisoft will be able to license Activision’s content for its platform and to any cloud gaming provider. The move seeks to diversify the ways players can access Activision games, including through cloud-based multi-game subscription services.
This new deal has prompted the CMA to enter a “new phase of investigation,” although Cardell was clear that this “is not a green light.” However, the fact that the CMA is willing to reconsider gives a glimmer of hope. The deadline for the final decision has been set for the October 18, 2023.
Implications and consequences
This situation raises many questions and future scenarios. Is this new deal the key that will finally open the door to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard? And if so, how will this affect the online gaming landscape and market competition? One thing is for sure: the implications are huge, both for the mega corporations involved and for the everyday gamer who simply wants to enjoy their favorite game without interruption.
So is this a game over or just a new phase in the ever-changing world of gaming? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the whole world will be watching when the fate of this mega-acquisition is finally revealed. Until then, we keep our fingers on the controls, waiting for what’s to come.
#Microsoft #Transaction #Paused