European Commission Approves Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

Blizzard Posted 2023/05/15 at 12:19 PM by Archimtiros

blocked by the UK's Competition and Markets AuthorityEuropean Commission has cleared Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard

European Commission

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard (‘Activision') by Microsoft. The approval is conditional on full compliance with the commitments offered by Microsoft. The commitments fully address the competition concerns identified by the Commission and represent a significant improvement for cloud gaming as compared to the current situation.

The Commission's in-depth market investigation indicated that Microsoft would not be able to harm rival consoles and rival multi-game subscription services. At the same time, it confirmed that Microsoft could harm competition in the distribution of games via cloud game streaming services and that its position in the market for PC operating systems would be strengthened.
Dealing with the CMADaniel Beard KCcompletely faulty logicanticipating a quick overturn

FOSS Patents

I see a very high probability of the CMA decision being quashed on irrationality grounds. It is an irrational decision not only in terms of that being the legal standard for the non-procedural parts of CMA appeals but even in a literal sense. Statistically, the CMA wins 67% of all merger appeals, which means that it does not win the other 33%. Neither is this the average case nor are average lawyers at work. Many merger decisions don't get appealed, or the appeals at least don't reach the decision stage. Regulatory resistance often results in parties changing plans. Here, however, both parties have made unequivocal statements and their actions (the lawyers they've hired) speak louder than words. If they have to extend the merger agreement, they will presumably do so.

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Comment by dokeefe1986Kinda surprising tbh imoComment by ArchimtirosKinda surprising tbh imowidelyComment by DremallThis decision was really the lynchpin of the whole process. The UK decision will probably be overturned through appeal, or hardball tactics, and the FTC case I'll be surprised if it makes it past discovery.Comment by TernelCMA looks to be totally on an island (har har) with this new decision from the Euro authority. I think the deal just got a big boost with this.Comment by KerathrasI’ve been following this entire situation as it unfolded and from my perspective as a lawyer who deals with international law on a daily basis this decision didn’t come as a surprise at all. If anything the UK regulators are the ones who got it completely wrong.Comment by DeVeteranKinda surprising tbh imoComment by BringbackboshiI know this is stupid to hope for but if this goes through can we PLEASE get rid of Bobby and his cronies, please oust those Fers.

Idc if Microsoft just wants to put their own talent in charge or what reason would cause it to happen. Give him his $50 million golden parachute and let him inject his horrible practices into some other company I don't care about. Anything to get that Gallywix POS out of my all time favorite game. He has been a plague to the Blizzard world ever since he appeared.Comment by LlaroldKinda surprising tbh imowidelyComment by WecekRare e*ropean union WComment by TattytaigerCommon Bobby WComment by BobsBoatSellerThis isn't going to make your games better if that's what you think.

99.8% of all game revenue goes to the investors (See yearly quarterly reports and breakdowns that are public.)

When Activsion bought Blizzard, we got WoW Token, battlepass, cash shop/mounts and Diablo Immortal.

Imagine what we will get if Microsoft (Who bought minecraft, then made two failure sequel minecraft games.) takes over.Comment by BlueWizardXLmao... all markets are approving this deal except the brits. I wonder if MS is gonna pull out from the UK as is a tiny island.Comment by zymanskihThe CMA is an independent, the UK PM can say and do whatever he wants but the CMA decisions not only stands but cannot even be appealed for several months.
Either MS pulls out their entire gaming division out of the UK to close this deal or it's dead.Comment by DeVeteranThe CMA is an independent, the UK PM can say and do whatever he wants but the CMA decisions not only stands but cannot even be appealed for several months.
Either MS pulls out their entire gaming division out of the UK to close this deal or it's dead.Comment by ljlevendThis isn't going to make your games better if that's what you think.

99.8% of all game revenue goes to the investors (See yearly quarterly reports and breakdowns that are public.)

When Activsion bought Blizzard, we got WoW Token, battlepass, cash shop/mounts and Diablo Immortal.

Imagine what we will get if Microsoft (Who bought minecraft, then made two failure sequel minecraft games.) takes over.Comment by KcoplinThis isn't going to make your games better if that's what you think.

99.8% of all game revenue goes to the investors (See yearly quarterly reports and breakdowns that are public.)

When Activsion bought Blizzard, we got WoW Token, battlepass, cash shop/mounts and Diablo Immortal.

Imagine what we will get if Microsoft (Who bought minecraft, then made two failure sequel minecraft games.) takes over.Comment by KyraellinaUK next, then it's a done deal.Comment by ElitecookieThis isn't going to make your games better if that's what you think.

99.8% of all game revenue goes to the investors (See yearly quarterly reports and breakdowns that are public.)

When Activsion bought Blizzard, we got WoW Token, battlepass, cash shop/mounts and Diablo Immortal.

Imagine what we will get if Microsoft (Who bought minecraft, then made two failure sequel minecraft games.) takes over.Comment by Kcoplin

It is hard to imagine that Microsoft will do a worse job of managing WoW than the current people in charge.Comment by BobsBoatSellerRegardless of the EU's outcome.

CMA is not budging, and the merger will REMAIN BLOCKED in the UK.

https://twitter.com/CMAgovUK/status/1658131211967971328

"While we recognise and respect that the European Commission is entitled to take a different view, the CMA stands by its decision."

UK can't be bribed.

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