Microsoft could pull Activision games from the UK. As Microsoft prepares for its appeal hearing in July against the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), a new report from Bloomberg claims that the company is considering all options in order to gain approval for its purchase of Activision Blizzard.
That could even be as far as taking Activision out of markets that block the deal entirely.
Microsoft president Brad Smith is set to meet with UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt next week to discuss the CMA’s decision to block the purchase. The talks, according to the report, will also be about Smith’s criticism of the CMA after the decision to block was made.
In addition to meeting with Hunt, Smith is expected to meet with Microsoft’s legal team to go over all counter strategies. That’s where the “extreme” option of taking Activision Blizzard titles out of the UK market is likely to be discussed.
“One extreme option could be to bypass the UK order and press ahead with the deal, or withdraw Activision from the UK market,” the report states.
As part of its counter in its appeal, Microsoft is expected to look at the EU’s findings in its approval of the purchase. In its decision, the EU stated that the deal could “kick-start” cloud gaming and streaming competition. The CMA, however, believes it would give Microsoft an unfair advantage against other companies such as Sony or Nintendo.
In a statement to Bloomberg, Microsoft says it remains “committed to finding creative and constructive ways to address remaining regulatory concerns”.
Insider Gaming has reached out to Microsoft for comment. As of publishing, a response has not been received.
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