The $68.7 billion acquisition of gaming publisher Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is currently being investigated by UK’s competition watchdog, considering whether the deal will harm competition through reduced choice or higher prices. The Competition and Markets Authority in the UK believes the acquisition will have huge implications on the $190 billion gaming industry.

As reported by CNBC, Microsoft’s acquisition of Call of Duty and Diablo publisher Activision Blizzard is being probed by UK’s competition watchdog, stating that the investigation would “consider whether the deal could harm competition and lead to worse outcomes for consumers – for example, through higher prices, lower quality, or reduced choice.”

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This marks one of the first probes by a major antitrust enforcer into the massive deal, which was announced earlier this year. As of writing, the ink has yet to dry on the acquisition but this is one of many investigations that were launched into Xbox’s historical buyout of Activision Blizzard since the deal was announced.

The UK CMA has set a deadline of 1 September 2022 for its initial decision, seeking feedback from third parties. Consultation on the matter will run until 20 July 2022.

Microsoft announced its decision to acquire Activision Blizzard for almost $70 billion in January, giving Xbox the rights to several IPs such as Overwatch, Candy Crush, Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft and many more. The buyout price is considered the largest acquisition of a company in video game history, which was sure to draw a lot of attention and skepticism. As the multi-billion dollar gaming industry continues to grow, such a large acquisition could have big implications for the future, especially with consumers in mind.

Microsoft also owns Zenimax Media and Bethesda along with blockbuster franchises like The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom and more. The deal was closed in early 2021 for a total of $7.5 billion.

Source: CNBC