Microsoft Submits New Activision Blizzard Deal for Review After CMA Confirms Original Deal Block

Microsoft has submitted a new deal to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for review after the CMA confirmed the original deal was blocked. The new deal is designed to address the CMA’s concerns about competition in the cloud gaming market.

Under the new deal, Microsoft will sell the cloud streaming rights for all current and new Activision Blizzard PC and console games released over the next 15 years to Ubisoft. This will reduce Microsoft’s control over the cloud gaming market and make it more likely that Activision Blizzard games will be available on other platforms.

The CMA will now review the new deal and is expected to make a decision by October 18, 2023. If the CMA approves the new deal, Microsoft will be able to complete its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

It is important to note that the CMA is not the only regulator that needs to approve the deal. Microsoft also needs to obtain approval from regulators in the United States, Europe, and other countries.

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a major deal for Microsoft and could have a significant impact on the gaming industry. If the deal is approved, Microsoft will become the world’s third-largest gaming company, behind Tencent and Sony. The deal will also give Microsoft a major portfolio of popular games, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush.

It remains to be seen whether the CMA will approve the new deal. However, the fact that Microsoft is willing to make concessions to address the CMA’s concerns suggests that the company is confident that the deal will eventually be approved.