Microsoft plans to complete its acquisition of Activision Blizzard

According to reports, Microsoft is planning to complete its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, despite the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) blocking the deal in December last year on antitrust grounds. According to sources close to the technology giant, Microsoft is optimistic this week about obtaining UK approval for its acquisition. Sources say this is because in recent weeks, antitrust regulatory agencies in the UK and EU have made surprising progress in approving the merger of the two companies. The reason why these two antitrust regulatory agencies have improved their attitude towards Microsoft is that Microsoft has promised to allow competitors such as Sony and Nintendo to obtain franchise rights for its gaming masterpiece “Call of Duty” video game.

Microsoft plans to complete its acquisition of Activision Blizzard

I. Introduction
II. Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
III. Previous Obstacles to the Acquisition
IV. Recent Developments in UK and EU Regulatory Approval
V. Key Role of “Call of Duty” in the Acquisition
VI. Possible Consequences of the Acquisition
VII. Conclusion
VIII. FAQs
# Article:
**Microsoft’s Optimistic Outlook for Completing the Acquisition of Activision Blizzard**
The news that Microsoft is planning to acquire Activision Blizzard for $69 billion has caused a lot of buzz in the tech industry. However, the deal has not been an easy one to pull off. In December of last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) blocked the deal on antitrust grounds. Despite this setback, Microsoft is still making efforts to complete the acquisition. According to sources close to the technology giant, Microsoft is optimistic about getting UK approval for the acquisition this week.

Previous Obstacles to the Acquisition

The FTC’s decision to reject the acquisition was a major setback for Microsoft’s plans. The FTC is the primary regulatory body responsible for investigating and enforcing American antitrust laws. The commission’s decision to block the acquisition was based on concerns about the impact the merger could have on competition in the video gaming industry. However, recent developments have given Microsoft cause for optimism.

Recent Developments in UK and EU Regulatory Approval

Recently, antitrust regulatory agencies in the UK and EU have been making progress in approving the merger of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. According to sources, these agencies have improved their attitude towards Microsoft’s proposal because Microsoft has promised to allow competitors such as Sony and Nintendo to obtain franchise rights for its most popular video game, “Call of Duty”.

Key Role of “Call of Duty” in the Acquisition

“Call of Duty” is a highly popular first-person shooter game franchise that has been in production since 2003. The game is highly profitable, and it is estimated that the franchise has generated over $18 billion in revenue to date. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard would give the company control over “Call of Duty” and the opportunity to integrate the game into its Xbox gaming ecosystem.

Possible Consequences of the Acquisition

The merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, if approved, would have significant consequences for the video gaming industry. The acquisition would make Microsoft the largest video game publisher in the world, and it would give the company a commanding position in the highly lucrative first-person shooter game genre. However, there are also concerns that this consolidation of market power could lead to higher prices for consumers and less competition in the long run.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a significant development in the video game industry. It is clear that Microsoft is highly optimistic about the potential benefits of the acquisition, but there are also risks and concerns that need to be addressed. Competition authorities in the UK and EU will need to make their decisions based on a thorough analysis of these risks and benefits.

FAQs

Q. What is the potential impact of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard on the video game industry?
A. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard would give the company a commanding position in the video game industry, particularly in the highly lucrative first-person shooter game genre. However, there are concerns that the acquisition could lead to higher prices for consumers and less competition in the long run.
Q. What is the significance of “Call of Duty” in the acquisition?
A. “Call of Duty” is a highly popular first-person shooter game franchise that has generated over $18 billion in revenue to date. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard would give the company control over “Call of Duty” and the opportunity to integrate the game into its Xbox gaming ecosystem.
Q. What is the current status of UK and EU regulatory approval for the acquisition?
A. According to sources close to Microsoft, the company is optimistic about getting UK approval for the acquisition this week. Recent developments have seen positive progress in UK and EU regulatory approval, especially after Microsoft promised to allow competitors to obtain franchise rights for “Call of Duty.”