Microsoft will have to face a series of exhaustive investigations by the United Kingdom and Europe into its purchase agreement with Activision Blizzard, according to a report shared by the Financial Times. Last week, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) of the United Kingdom revealed that its investigation into the acquisition of Activision Blizzard for a value of $68.7 billion be extended to a second phase due to the concerns regarding a possible monopoly.
Specifically, the report details that the CMA is concerned regarding the impact that closing the deal might have on Sony PlayStation’s ability to compete. Despite the fact that Microsoft signed an agreement with Sony at the beginning of this month of September so that sagas such as Call of Duty continue to be released on PlayStation systems following purchase for “several more years”, it seems that it is not enough for the regulatory body. The CMA intends to expand the investigation starting this week following allegedly Microsoft decided not to offer any solutions to your concerns.
A difficult agreement that requires a thorough investigation
In the second phase of the CMA investigation, an independent panel would be established to examine the agreement in more detail and assess whether it is more likely to result in a material lessening of competition. according to the Financial Timesregulators and others involved in the deal also expect a lengthy investigation by the European Union once Microsoft officially submits its case in brussels. According to a source close to the case in Brussels, it is “a difficult agreement” that requires “an exhaustive investigation”.
Although the final closing of the purchase seems to be a little far from being fulfilled, Xbox confirmed earlier this month that Overwatch, Diablo and Call of Duty will reach Xbox Game Pass.
