Microsoft has stated its confidence that the $68.7bn (£56.8bn) acquisition would provide players with more variety. Conversely, Sony, a competitor that was also present at the meeting, argues that Microsoft gaining ownership of so many of the most well-known titles would be a bad thing.
Sony is in charge of the PlayStation system, which is a significant competitor to Microsoft’s Xbox. The EU meeting on Tuesday was deemed “an significant day” by Microsoft executive Brad Smith. Sony’s fears that the agreement would lead to the exclusivity of Activision Blizzard titles (including Call of Duty) on the Xbox platform were also dismissed.\
According to Microsoft
“This has never been about spending $69bn so we could acquire titles like Call of Duty and make them less available.”
“That’s not a great way to turn a $69bn asset into something that will become more valuable over time.”
“We are confident regulators will find that our proposed merger will enhance competition and create greater opportunities for workers and better games for our players.”
While the meeting was restricted to the general public and media, it was reported that chip designer Nvidia and search giant Google were in attendance. Microsoft and Nvidia have revealed a partnership that would bring Xbox PC games, as well as Activision Blizzard products, to Nvidia’s cloud-streaming service, GeForce Now.
The tech company must persuade global authorities that the acquisition, the biggest in gaming annals, would not hurt rivals. Microsoft had its last opportunity to argue its argument before the European Commission today.
Sony Won’t Compromise
Chile, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia are just a few of the nations that have given it the go light. The European Commission has launched an inquiry, while the UK’s competition authority has lately spoken out against the merger without providing a final verdict. The UK’s Competition as well as Markets Authority recommended spinning off Call of Duty into a separate company.
Microsoft has promised that all existing Activision Blizzard titles would be made accessible on Nintendo, Sony, as well as Steam devices for at a minimum of a decade, although Sony has so far refused this offer.
The company has already bought Mojang, the creators of Minecraft, and Bethesda, the developers of Fallout. Starfield, the next title from Bethesda, has been confirmed to debut as an Xbox One release.
