Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Acquisition Has Been Approved By UK Regulators

Microsoft looks set to finally acquire Activision Blizzard, as the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has officially approved the deal. Back in April, the CMA blocked the deal over concerns around cloud gaming, which eventually led Microsoft to sell the cloud gaming rights for the next 15 years of Activision Blizzard games outside of the European Economic Area to Ubisoft.

“In August this year Microsoft made a concession that would see Ubisoft, instead of Microsoft, buy Activision’s cloud gaming rights,” the CMA said in a statement. “This new deal will put the cloud streaming rights–outside the EEA–for all of Activision’s PC and console content produced over the next 15 years in the hands of a strong and independent competitor with ambitious plans to offer new ways of accessing that content.”

According to the CMA, this will “stop Microsoft from locking up competition in cloud gaming” as this market gains more ground, allowing for a more competitive environment. In response to the CMA’s approval, Microsoft persident Brad Smith said that the company was grateful for the UK watchdog’s thorough review and decision, and Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick congratulated staff ahead of the company’s “next chapter” under the ownership of Microsoft. The controversial CEO is expected to leave the company following the expected closure of the Microsoft deal.

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