UK relaxes anti-competition concerns on Microsoft-Activision deal

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has published its updated provisional findings in the case of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The new findings conclude that the acquisition, if completed, is unlikely to result in reduced competition for consoles. It still has concerns that the merger will hurt competition in other areas.

The CMA’s new report says it received new evidence during its consultation period. From this evidence it concluded that “the transaction will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in relation to console gaming in the UK.” More specifically, it addresses the primary concern that Microsoft would withhold Call of Duty from Sony consoles to boost sales of its own. The new findings suggest that Microsoft has financial incentive to keep the game series on PlayStation.