Xbox Fans Rejoice: UK Approves Microsoft's Massive Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

The Deal That Will Change the Gaming Industry Forever

Xbox fans in the UK have reason to celebrate as the country has finally given its approval for Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, one of the world's largest publishers. With a staggering price tag of $69 billion (£57 billion), this deal marks the biggest-ever purchase in the gaming industry and is set to solidify Xbox's domination in the market.

A Game-Changing Acquisition

In January 2022, Microsoft made the bold move to acquire Activision Blizzard, gaining control over a vast library of first-party games. Some of the popular gaming properties under Activision Blizzard's umbrella include Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, and Candy Crush. With this acquisition, Microsoft will have the power to decide which consoles these games will launch on and whether they will be available on Game Pass.

Competition Concerns

The magnitude of this acquisition raised concerns among competition authorities worldwide. The UK was the last country to grant approval, with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) closely examining the potential implications of Microsoft's dominant position in the gaming industry. One of their main concerns was the rise of cloud gaming and the potential impact it could have on the future of the gaming landscape.

Cloud Gaming Compromise

To address the CMA's concerns, Microsoft has agreed to hand over the cloud gaming rights of Activision Blizzard to Ubisoft. This compromise allowed the deal to move forward and prevented the possibility of Microsoft pulling out of the UK, which would have resulted in the ban of popular titles like Call of Duty.

A New Era for Xbox Gaming

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Xbox and the gaming industry as a whole. With an extensive library of first-party games at their disposal, Microsoft is poised to further solidify its dominance in the market and offer Xbox fans an unparalleled gaming experience.

If you're interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of the Activision Blizzard deal in the UK, be sure to check out our comprehensive round-up.