UK’s CMA Finally Officially Gives Microsoft’s Activision Acquisition The Go Ahead

Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Acquisition has been long in the running and almost seemed like it would never end mostly due to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) being the only opposing party to the deal. Today the CMA has finally given the go-ahead for this deal meaning we can finally put it to rest.

Microsoft Activision Blizzard Acquisition Free To Go

The UK’s CMA had originally denied the deal on the grounds of concerns surrounding competition within the Cloud Gaming industry which had put a good spanner in the works for the entire plan as they were only authority to block the deal. This led Microsoft to draw up a new plan which has led to Ubisoft being dragged in and sold control over Activision’s Cloud Gaming rights which has proven to be a good move. Today the CMA shared a Press Release to state that they have cleared Microsoft on the acquisition.

“With the sale of Activision’s cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft, we’ve made sure Microsoft can’t have a stranglehold over this important and rapidly developing market. As cloud gaming grows, this intervention will ensure people get more competitive prices, better services and more choice. We are the only competition agency globally to have delivered this outcome. ” – Sarah Cardell Chief Executive of the CMA

Great news for Microsoft and maybe great news for those who use Game Pass as more Activision games will be available in the future. How Microsoft intends on using Activision’s titles isn’t known but I imagine most things will remain the same with the same crap COD title being released year on year and Overwatch 2 will remain rubbish. We still do have to wait for the official closure of the deal between the two companies but that should come very soon.

Microsoft & Activision’s Response

Microsoft’s Vice Chair Brad Smith shared his thoughts on the CMA’s decision on Twitter:

Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard shared the following email with employees:

Team,

Today the CMA, the regulatory authority in the UK, approved our transaction with Microsoft. 

We now have all regulatory approvals necessary to close and we look forward to bringing joy and connection to even more players around the world. 

Our board chair Brian Kelly and I are incredibly proud of all of you and your accomplishments over the last four decades. We’re excited for our next chapter together with Microsoft and the endless possibilities it creates for you and for our players.

With gratitude,

Bobby