During the latest episode of the Kinda Funny Xcast, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer commented about the recent decision by the British Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to block the acquisition of Activision and its subsidiaries Blizzard and King.
Spencer confirmed that Microsoft will be appealing the CMA's decision and will continue to work with the European Union and the FTC. There are 14 jurisdictions involved with the approval and there are 9 approvals so far. Yey, the CMA's decision was "disappointing" and according to Spencer, they defined a cloud gaming market that in his mind "doesn't really exist yet today" and they think that Microsoft has a lead in a market that is just forming and that Activision content can prevent others from competing in that market.
But we'll appeal it. We'll stay on it. The company remains very very committed. Activision Blizzard King is not our strategy, but it is an accelerant for our strategy, so we're still heads-down and working through regulatory.
At least for now, the CMA remains isolated in its ruling against the deal, with the American FTC matching its opposition, but having to go through legal process to actually be able to block it.
Lately, Microsoft announced deals with Nintendo, Nvidia, Boosteroid, Ubitus, Nware, and more, publicly showcasing its willingness to bring its games to as many users as possible following the proposed acquisition of Activision and its subsidiaries, in contrast with objections by Sony, which has been very active in trying to block the deal over the past few months. The house of PlayStation has appeared to be completely against the perspective of negotiating a deal of its own, which Microsoft has publicly offered.
Ultimately, we'll have to wait and see what happens, but Microsoft doesn't appear to be giving up. If you'd like to hear more, you can watch the full interview.