Close Menu
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    • Home
    • Leadership Alliance
    • Exclusives
    • Internet Governance
      • Regulation
      • Governance Bodies
      • Emerging Tech
    • IT Infrastructure
      • Networking
      • Cloud
      • Data Centres
    • Company Stories
      • Profiles
      • Startups
      • Tech Titans
      • Partner Content
    • Others
      • Fintech
        • Blockchain
        • Payments
        • Regulation
      • Tech Trends
        • AI
        • AR/VR
        • IoT
      • Video / Podcast
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Home » UK Regulators Clear Microsoft’s $69B Activision Blizzard Takeover
    btw-media
    Uncategorized

    UK Regulators Clear Microsoft’s $69B Activision Blizzard Takeover

    By Bal MarsiusOctober 16, 2023Updated:November 28, 2023No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Image credit: Activision

    The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has granted its approval for Microsoft’s proposed $69 billion acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard. This marks the final regulatory hurdle for the deal to close, a decision met with significant anticipation in the gaming industry.

    Microsoft Executes Brilliant Strategy to Gain Approval

    Microsoft had its vision set on acquiring Activision for a while now. The gaming company, which developed popular games such as Call of Duty, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft, could turn Microsoft into an uncontestable powerhouse in cloud gaming.

    The CMA’s initial stance on this acquisition was contentious, with concerns that the deal would stifle competition in the burgeoning cloud gaming market. However, Microsoft responded with a pivotal move: It offered to divest the cloud gaming rights for Activision games to French gaming publisher Ubisoft Entertainment.

    This shift strategy aims to maintain competitive pricing and services for UK cloud gaming customers. The move, executed in September, helped ensure that Microsoft doesn’t monopolize the gaming market.

    Also Read: Microsoft’s 69-Billion Activision Blizzard Deal Edges Closer to Approval

    Microsoft’s journey to secure this deal has been fraught with regulatory challenges in the U.S., Europe, and the UK. The European Union granted clearance to the deal earlier, following concessions from Microsoft.

    In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission faced legal hurdles in its attempt to prevent the acquisition. A judge ultimately cleared the path for the deal to proceed, setting the stage for the CMA’s U-turn.

    Numerous Concessions Finally Pay Off

    The crux of the contention lay in the emerging world of cloud gaming, where services like Netflix for games could change the way people play. This technology potentially eliminates the need for expensive consoles, enabling gaming on PCs, mobile devices, and TVs. If remain unchecked,giants like Microsoft and Netflix could stifle competition.

    To address the CMA’s concerns and secure regulatory approval, Microsoft made substantial concessions. Among them is a concession to do without cloud gaming rights.

    This helps ensure that the cloud rights for existing and new Activision games would not fall under their control. Instead, these rights were transferred to Ubisoft Entertainment, safeguarding competition and consumer choice in the cloud gaming landscape.

    In a press release, the UK Government announced that the modified terms will promote more competition in the gaming market.

    Also Read: Microsoft Launches New Teams App For Windows And Mac

    Microsoft’s President, Brad Smith, expressed gratitude for the CMA’s review and decision. He emphasized that this acquisition is expected to benefit players and the gaming industry globally.

    Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, shared his excitement about the possibilities this partnership with Microsoft opens up for both players and the company.

    Bal Marsius

    Bal was BTW's copywriter specialising in tech and productivity tools. He has experience working in startups, mid-size tech companies, and non-profits.

    Related Posts

    Softnet Systems: Digital Efficiency for Enterprises

    July 14, 2025

    Fiberlink Solutions Ltd: smart connectivity for Nairobi

    July 14, 2025

    ZebraNet Botswana internet and hosting services

    July 9, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    CATEGORIES
    Archives
    • July 2025
    • June 2025
    • May 2025
    • April 2025
    • March 2025
    • February 2025
    • January 2025
    • December 2024
    • November 2024
    • October 2024
    • September 2024
    • August 2024
    • July 2024
    • June 2024
    • May 2024
    • April 2024
    • March 2024
    • February 2024
    • January 2024
    • December 2023
    • November 2023
    • October 2023
    • September 2023
    • August 2023
    • July 2023

    Blue Tech Wave (BTW.Media) is a future-facing tech media brand delivering sharp insights, trendspotting, and bold storytelling across digital, social, and video. We translate complexity into clarity—so you’re always ahead of the curve.

    BTW
    • About BTW
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Team
    TERMS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.