Brazil Gives 'OK' To Microsoft's Possible Acquisition Of Activision Blizzard

Brazil follows Saudi Arabia in its decision to approve the Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Despite Sony’s recent complaints about the possibility of losing Call of Duty, the CADE (the country’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense) said such a claim didn’t carry much merit. "The absence of Call of Duty in recent years," says CADE’s report, "did not prevent Steam from occupying a leading position in the ranking of digital stores.” Then, Switch’s ‘success’ with Activision Blizzard games was “minimal”, furthering the narrative of Sony’s woes falling on deaf ears.

CADE at least does recognize the possibility that Sony could be harmed by losing CoD, however, CADE says its mission is not to defend specific competitors, but to "the protection of competition as a means of promoting the well-being of the Brazilian consumer.”

With Saudi Arabia and now Brazil giving the go-ahead, this is one small step for Microsoft's acquisition to move forward. Still, Sony does seem to be taking the deal seriously as they themselves have recently addressed a push and focus on more live streaming games that will hopefully help them stay relevant in a growing multiplayer market.

Note: Activision Blizzard is still under investigation by the state of California for serious harassment charges. CEO Bobby Kotick is alleged to have known about such actions within his company – and performed some himself – and shielded the perpetrators from consequences.