Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard is expected to move forward in the EU. According to a new report from Reuters, sources close to the matter told the outlet that recent licensing deals between Microsoft and companies like Nintendo and Nvidia are “likely to address EU antitrust concerns.”
Originally, there were concerns that the European Commission would require Microsoft to sell assets like Call of Duty in order to win deal approval. That, according to the report, isn’t likely to be the case.
Late February, sources told Insider Gaming’s Mike Straw that Microsoft was “growing increasingly confident” that the deal would be approved. The company even internally started believing the deal will be approved “with or without” Sony onboard. Microsoft currently has a 10-year offer out to Sony to keep games like Call of Duty on PlayStation.
Microsoft, EU Satisfaction Is A Key Deal
With the EU likely being satisfied with Microsoft’s acquisition plans, it clears a major hurdle for the organization.
When the Nvidia deal was announced, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said the plan is to bring games to more people. It’s not about restricting them to just Xbox platforms, he says.
“Xbox remains committed to giving people more choice and finding ways to expand how people play,” said Spencer. “This partnership will help grow NVIDIA’s catalog of titles to include games like Call of Duty, while giving developers more ways to offer streaming games. We are excited to offer gamers more ways to play the games they love.”
The official decision from the European Commission is expected to come before April 25. Insider Gaming has contacted both Microsoft and representatives from the European Commission for comment on the report. Should a response be received, this story will be updated accordingly.
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