Microsoft/Activision Blizzard Deal Might Still Be Blocked by UK’s CMA Even if EU Approves It

How does the UK’s CMA decision-making process differ from the EU’s?

The recent Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal has been making headlines in the gaming community. While the European Union’s anti-trust regulators have recently given the deal their blessing, the UK is taking a closer look at the implications of the deal and may still not approve it.

The European Union’s competition authority has given the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal its approval, with the regulators giving the thumbs up. But even if the European Union has given its approval, the deal may still be blocked by the UK’s competition authority.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has expressed its concerns over the acquisition, believing that it could significantly reduce competition between gaming companies in the UK and websites and services offering gamers a platform. The CMA has also raised a potential issue that the deal could lead to higher prices for gamers in the UK.

The CMA’s duty is to ensure that British consumers get the best deal possible, so it is taking a closer look at the merger to ensure it is in the best interest of the UK. It is possible that the CMA may decide not to approve the deal despite the EU’s approval.

If the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard acquisition is blocked in the UK, this could have a negative impact on the gaming industry in the United States. The companies involved have stated that the creation of a unified platform for gaming could save time, money, and energy for those creating games, and that this could lead to more innovative game titles in the future.

However, this could be in jeopardy if the CMA blocks the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal. The UK is a big market, and without its approval, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard may be less likely to move forward with the merger.

At this point, it’s unclear what will happen with the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal, but if the UK’s CMA decides to block the acquisition it could have far reaching consequences for the gaming industry. The decision the CMA makes could determine the future of the industry in the US and beyond.