European Commission Extends Deadline On Decision For Microsoft's Purchase Of Activision Blizzard
Regulators seem to be in no hurry to make a decision.
EU antitrust boss Margrethe Vestager told Bloomberg that regulators must not be in a race to reach a conclusion on Microsoft's $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard. A day later regulators gave credence to that comment by extending its deadline to reach a ruling on the matter by 10 days. The deadline is now April 25th.
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has already provisionally ruled that the deal could reduce competition and result in higher prices for, fewer choices, and less innovation. Microsoft expected the UK CMA to oppose the acquisition. Microsoft claims that Sony has created a false narrative in order to persuade EU regulators to vote against the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Somehow the entire argument continues to revolve around one game primarily: Call of Duty. UK regulators even suggested that the acquisition could pass through the CMA if Microsoft agreed to divest and sell off the Call of Duty franchise, which seems ludicrous considering all of the other assets that are also included in this deal. Microsoft itself has stated that Activision's mobile market via King is one of the actual primary targets of the purchase.
This soap opera will continue of course, and we'll be here to keep you updated.
Related Articles
About the Author

Troy “Noobfridge” Blackburn has been reporting on the video game industry for over a decade. Whether it’s news, editorials, gameplay videos, or streams, Noobfridge never fails to present his honest opinion whether those hot takes prove to be popular or not.
Read Next
Elder Scrolls Online's Scribes Of Fate Dungeon Preview Plays With Time Itself
Time is not on your side.
By Troy Blackburn - 4 weeks agoYou May Enjoy
Pre-registration Is Open For XLGames’ Blockchain MMO ArcheWorld
The game is leaving Asia and headed West.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 3 days agoARK: Extinction Expansion Coming To Nintendo Switch On April 11
The third expansion pack for ARK: Survival Evolved contains a new map plus fresh creatures and challenges.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 week agoWizard101 Introduces New System "Rate My Stitch" In Today's Update
Official competitions and rankings are now live for stylish players to participate in.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 2 days agoPantheon Dev Vlog Talks Open World, Enjoying The Game With Limited Time, And More
This video is a long one, so grab some popcorn and settle in.
By Troy Blackburn - 1 week agoRedfall "Looking Into" Removing Always-Online Requirement, Was Originally Slated For PS5 Release
Players could possibly get their wish with the removal of the always online requirement for single-player.
By Troy Blackburn - 1 week agoAnother Alpha Test For Upcoming Hero-Based, Extraction Shooter HYENAS Starts Today
New character Hero-Ki was revealed, too. He looks like Sonic and cosplays his enemies as a disguise.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 week ago
Discussion (0)