The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has “provisionally concluded” that Microsoft’s acquisition of video game maker Activision-Blizzard “could result in higher prices, fewer choices, or less innovation for UK gamers.” This announcement captures what many already knew: Microsoft’s takeover of Activision would harm competition in the gaming industry.
It was one year ago that Microsoft announced the acquisition of Activision and its portfolio of mega-titles, including Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, Candy Crush, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, StarCraft, and others. If the union proceeds, it would mark the largest such transaction in technology history, and Microsoft — already one of the world’s largest and most dominant companies — would emerge as the gaming world’s goliath, too.
Read Full Article »