EU Starts Probe Into Microsoft Purchase Of Activision Blizzard

It has been known for months that Microsoft wants to take over publisher Activision Blizzard. The EU could, however, burst the deal. Since the takeover could hinder competition, the EU Commission has now launched in-depth investigations.

Already last week we reported that the EU’s antitrust authorities did not approve the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard in the first instance. Due to a deadline, however, the EU Commission had not yet officially commented on the subject. However, the European Commission has now confirmed that it has concerns about the takeover. A comprehensive procedure has therefore been initiated to investigate the merger. The investigations are intended to clarify whether the deal violates antitrust law and thus poses a threat to free competition.

Above all, the regulator sees the danger that Microsoft could only make existing and new games from Activision Blizzard accessible on its own consoles. This should become a problem in connection with top titles like “Call of Duty” if players are forced to switch to the Microsoft ecosystem. The Redmonders would like to continue working with the EU in order to be able to dispel the concerns.

Decision Expected in March 2023

The European Commission now has until March 23, 2023, to make a decision. If Microsoft’s arguments and assurances don’t convince the antitrust authorities, it’s conceivable that the deal won’t go through. If the terms of the EU Commission are too strict, the Redmond company itself could withdraw from its offer. Insider Dan Ives has stressed to the New York Post that Microsoft’s strategy is all about exclusivity. Should Activision Blizzard’s titles still have to be offered for PlayStation and Xbox, Microsoft could ultimately refrain from the takeover.