The European Union on Monday approved Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the maker of popular video games like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. The deal is the largest acquisition in the history of the video game industry, and it will give Microsoft a major foothold in the growing market for cloud gaming.
The European Commission, the EU’s antitrust regulator, said it approved the deal after Microsoft agreed to a number of concessions. These concessions include:
- Licensing popular Activision games, including Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, free to other cloud gaming providers for 10 years.
- Selling off several Activision studios and publishing labels.
- Giving up some of its patents in the cloud gaming market.
- The EU’s approval of the deal is a major victory for Microsoft. The company has faced antitrust scrutiny from regulators around the world, but the EU’s decision is a sign that regulators are willing to allow big tech companies to make major acquisitions.
The deal is also a major win for Activision Blizzard. The company has been under fire in recent years for its workplace culture. Microsoft has said that it will invest in Activision Blizzard and help to create a more inclusive workplace.
What does the deal mean for gamers?
The deal is likely to have a major impact on gamers. Microsoft has said that it plans to keep all of Activision Blizzard’s games available on all platforms, but it is possible that the company could make some games exclusive to its own platforms in the future.
The deal could also lead to higher prices for games. Microsoft has said that it plans to invest in new games and content, but it is possible that the company could use its market power to raise prices.
Microsoft deal mean for the future of gaming?
The deal is a major sign of the growing consolidation in the gaming industry. In recent years, there have been a number of major acquisitions in the industry, including the acquisition of Bethesda Softworks by Microsoft and the acquisition of Electronic Arts by Take-Two Interactive.
The consolidation of the gaming industry is likely to lead to fewer choices for gamers. As fewer companies control the market, they will have more power to set prices and dictate the terms of the industry.
The deal is also a sign of the growing importance of cloud gaming. Microsoft and other companies are betting that cloud gaming will be the future of gaming. The deal gives Microsoft a major foothold in the cloud gaming market, which could give it an advantage over its rivals.
In conclusion, the EU’s approval of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a significant step forward for the tech giant and the gaming industry as a whole. The acquisition is set to create a new gaming powerhouse and give Microsoft a significant advantage in the industry. However, the deal still needs approval from other regulatory bodies and Activision Blizzard shareholders before it can be finalized.
