Microsoft makes new bid to unblock Call of Duty deal
Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will review the deal, but said: “This is not a green light.”
Microsoft’s acquisition of Call of Duty would be the biggest deal in gaming history.
Regulators around the world disagree, with some fearing it will stifle gamers’ choices.
Microsoft’s revised bid will be evaluated by the CMA by 18 October – without its approval, the deal cannot proceed globally.
In the revised agreement, Microsoft, which makes the Xbox console, has agreed to transfer the rights to stream Activision games to Ubisoft.
The company will not be able to release Activision Blizzard games exclusively on its own cloud streaming service – Xbox Cloud Gaming – or to exclusively control licensing terms for Activision Blizzard games for rival services, according to Mr Smith. Microsoft hopes the merger will boost demand for its Xbox after a tumultuous 18 months.
A total of 40 countries, including the European Union and China, have approved its initial offer for Activision.
A number of times, the courts have overruled the US Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to block the deal in America.
The CMA, however, blocked the tie-up in April, warning it would harm innovation and choice for gamers.
Angry Mr Smith said the move was “bad for Britain” and marked the “darkest day” in Microsoft’s four decades in the country.
It was also a blow for the UK government, which is trying to make the country a tech powerhouse.
Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will review the deal, but said: “This is not a green light.”
Microsoft’s acquisition of Call of Duty would be the biggest deal in gaming history.
Regulators around the world disagree, with some fearing it will stifle gamers’ choices.
Microsoft’s revised bid will be evaluated by the CMA by 18 October – without its approval, the deal cannot proceed globally.
In the revised agreement, Microsoft, which makes the Xbox console, has agreed to transfer the rights to stream Activision games to Ubisoft.
Microsoft will not be able to offer Activision Blizzard games exclusively on its own cloud streaming service – Xbox Cloud Gaming – or control the licensing terms of Activision Blizzard games on competitors’ platforms.
Microsoft hopes the merger will boost Xbox demand if the deal is approved, ending a tumultuous 18 months for the company.
A total of 40 countries, including the European Union and China, have approved its initial offer for Activision.
A number of times, the courts have overruled the US Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to block the deal in America.
The CMA, however, blocked the tie-up in April, warning it would harm innovation and choice for gamers.
Angry Mr Smith said the move was “bad for Britain” and marked the “darkest day” in Microsoft’s four decades in the country.
It was also a blow for the UK government, which is trying to make the country a tech powerhouse.