UK’s CMA Backtracks On Its Earlier Findings On The Microsoft Activision Blizzard Merger
Microsoft has apparently succeeded in convincing the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to support their hotly-debated merger with Activision Blizzard. The CMA was initially concerned about the possibility that the merger might stifle competition in the video game market and said as much when it released the results of its investigation.
The regulatory body has now backtracked on its initial findings and now maintains that the merger won’t have any significant impact on console competition, particularly when it comes to the Call of Duty franchise. As one might expect, both Microsoft and Sony have opposing reactions to the surprising turn of events.
Sony continues to argue against the merger, saying that the CMA’s sudden change of heart was “surprising, unprecedented, and irrational” and that the regulatory body used a biased model that was based merely on pure speculation rather than cold, hard facts. The company also called on the CMA to review and revisit its findings and investigation into the matter.
Microsoft, on the other hand, is unsurprisingly pleased with the CMA’s new tune, reiterating its promise to give everyone equal access to the popular first-person shooter franchise. “Microsoft has been clear since the announcement of the merger: it has no intention to withhold or degrade access to Call of Duty or any other Activision content on PlayStation,” the company maintained. “Such a strategy would be in direct contrast to the interests of gamers in the UK and around the world. Rather than limit choice or access, Microsoft intends to use the merger to bring more games to more people on more platforms and devices.”
It’s worth noting that the CMA’s report is still provisional and the merger has yet to get approval in the UK. The CMA is expected to release their final report on April 26th.
