Don't think that's the end of that, though...
The European Union’s European Commission (EC) has approved Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard, adding that the publisher would need to ensure full compliance with commitments to keep its titles on multiple platforms.
As we’ve previously reported, Microsoft has signed 10-year deals with the likes of Nintendo and NVidia to make its titles — and, if it has its way, Activision Blizzard’s too — to platforms like the Switch (or the Switch’s predecessor) and GeForce Now.
“The approval is conditional on full compliance with the commitments offered by Microsoft,” reads a statement from the EC. “The commitments fully address the competition concerns identified by the Commission and represent a significant improvement for cloud gaming as compared to the current situation.”
“Video games attract billions of users all over the world. In such a fast-growing and dynamic industry, it is crucial to protect competition and innovation,” said EC competition head Margrethe Vestager.
“Our decision represents an important step in this direction, by bringing Activision’s popular games to many more devices and consumers than before thanks to cloud game streaming,” Vestager continued. “The commitments offered by Microsoft will enable for the first time the streaming of such games in any cloud game streaming services, enhancing competition and opportunities for growth.”
Microsoft obviously applauded the EC’s decision.
“The European Commission has required Microsoft to license popular Activision Blizzard games automatically to competing cloud gaming services,” said Microsoft’s Brad Smith. “This will apply globally and will empower millions of consumers worldwide to play these games on any device they choose.”
While Microsoft has cleared one hurdled in the planned $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, it’s not all been smooth sailing — the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) knocked back the deal over concerns Microsoft would dominate the cloud gaming space.
The US’ Federal Trade Authority (FTC) has yet to make a decision on the proposed acquisition. We’ll keep you informed as the situation progresses.
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