Microsoft set to acquire the developer behind Game of Duty

UK regulators have approved Microsoft's revised offer to acquire Activision Blizzard, the maker of Call of Duty. The Competition Markets Authority (CMA) had previously blocked the original $69 billion deal in April but stated that the updated bid had addressed their concerns. As part of the deal, Microsoft will give the rights to distribute Activision's games on consoles and PCs over the cloud to France's Ubisoft. However, the CMA criticized Microsoft for their tactics during the investigation, stating that the company had wasted time and money by insisting on measures that were deemed insufficient. Despite the criticism, the CMA believes that the revised offer will maintain competitive prices in the gaming industry and provide more choice and better services. CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell stated that the sale of Activision's cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft ensures that Microsoft cannot have a stranglehold over this rapidly developing market. Microsoft's President Brad Smith expressed gratitude for the CMA's review and decision, while Activision Blizzard described the approved deal as "great news." This acquisition solidifies Microsoft's position as a major player in the gaming industry and concerns its main competitor Sony, the owner of PlayStation. Sony has opposed the deal from the start, fearing that popular Activision titles could become exclusive to Xbox over time. Sony understands the significance of content access for success in the entertainment industry but acknowledges that Activision Blizzard sets itself apart, which Microsoft is well aware of. Additionally, it is worth noting that Microsoft owns Bethesda, another major studio that recently released its game Starfield exclusively on Xbox and PC.