The merger between the American computer giant Microsoft and the American publisher of video games Activision Blizzard could harm consumers, according to the British competition regulator (CMA), according to the preliminary results of an investigation published on Wednesday, February 8.
The “CMA preliminarily concludes that Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision could result in higher prices, less choice and less innovation for UK gamers,” the CMA said in a statement, letting it be known that it may subsequently take steps to thwart this merger. .
Strengthen the strong position
Concerned about the consequences of this operation in the British market, the CMA announced in mid-September the opening of an in-depth investigation into the takeover bid, announced in early 2022, of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft.
In its statement on Wednesday, the CMA said preliminary findings from its investigation show that buying one of the world’s largest game publishers would “strengthen the strong position and significantly reduce competition compared to what Microsoft would face without it in the future.” UK digital games market.
The third largest player in video games.
The British regulator could subsequently decide on corrective measures such as partial disposals of assets, or even decide to completely prohibit the operation.
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which publishes notably the hits “Call of Duty”, “World of Warcraft” and “Candy Crush”, by Microsoft for an industry record $69 billion, would create the third largest player in the video game industry in terms of turnover, behind the Chinese group Tencent and the Japanese Sony, manufacturer of the PlayStation.
In addition to the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union are concerned about this mega-merger. The US competition authority (FTC) launched lawsuits in December to block the deal and the EU launched an investigation into whether the acquisition would make Activision games exclusive to Xbox, the game console marketed by Microsoft.
Source: BFM TV
