Activision Blizzard Deal With Microsoft Under Deep Investigation 

The European Commission announced an in-depth investigation into the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard.

It is assumed that the second phase of the review will be aimed at assessing the effect of the transaction on competition. A preliminary investigation by the regulator found that a merger with Microsoft could “significantly reduce competition in the console and PC video game distribution markets.”

This purchase should give Microsoft more room to compete with market leaders Tencent and Sony. However, some regulators believe that the deal will harm competition in the video game market.

The preliminary investigation shows how the deal could significantly reduce competition in the console and PC video game distribution markets, the European Commission said in a statement. The commission is also concerned that Microsoft may prevent access to Activision Blizzard’s console and PC video games. For example, one of the flagships of the gaming giant – Call of Duty.

The in-depth investigation will take 90 business days and the deadline for a decision is March 23, 2023.