The Competition And Market Authority Asks For The Public’s Opinion On Microsoft’s Acquisition Of Activision Blizzard

As the UK’s Competition and Market Authority investigation into Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard continues, Today, they’ve launched its Issues Statement and are calling for anyone in the public to provide their opinion on the deal. “The CMA’s phase 1 decision (the Phase 1 Decision)1 contains much of the
detailed background to this issues statement. We intend to use the evidence obtained during the phase 1 investigation, but we will also be gathering and considering further evidence. We are publishing this statement to assist parties submitting evidence to our phase 2 investigation. We currently intend to focus our investigation in the areas in which the CMA found in the Phase 1 Decision that the Merger gives rise to a realistic prospect of an SLC. This does not preclude the consideration of any other issues which  may be identified during this investigation, and we invite the Parties and third parties to notify us if there are any additional relevant issues which they believe we should consider.”

Last week, the CMA launched an announcement breaking down its considerations concerning the acquisition. They are involved that the deal will hurt PlayStation and different multi-game subscription choices as Microsoft could withhold Activision Blizzard content material from them. The CMA can also be involved that Microsoft will out-compete rivals comparable to Google, Amazon, and Nvidia within the recreation streaming area.

Details got about Microsoft’s plans for an Xbox cellular gaming retailer that may rival Apple and Google.

“At this point we invite anyone, including members of the public, to share their views with us,” the UK regulator mentioned.

As the CMA obtains and opinions proof, it can finally maintain hearings with Microsoft and Activision Blizzard about its findings. “If we think the merger could have a negative impact on competition, we also start thinking about potential solutions to those concerns,” the governing physique added.

After the CMA has “a good understanding of the business of the organizations” concerned with the acquisition, they are going to then publish provisional findings.