Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard is expected to move forward in the EU. According to a new report Reuterssources close to the matter said that recent licensing agreements between Microsoft and similar companies Nintendo and Nvidia “likely to deal with EU antitrust”.
There were initially fears that the European Commission would require Microsoft to sell assets such as Call of Duty in order to get the deal approved. According to the report, this is unlikely to be the case.
Sources said at the end of February Insider Gaming’s Mike Straw Microsoft is confident that the deal will be approved. The company even internally began to believe that the deal would be accepted with or without Sony. Microsoft currently has a 10-year deal with Sony to keep games like Call of Duty on the PlayStation.
Microsoft, EU satisfaction is key deal
Since the EU is likely to be comfortable with Microsoft’s purchase plans, it removes a major hurdle for the organization.
When the Nvidia deal was announced, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said the plan is to bring games to more people. It’s not about limiting them to Xbox platforms only, he says.
“Xbox remains committed to giving people more choice and finding ways to expand their gaming experience,” Spencer said. “This partnership will help grow NVIDIA’s gaming portfolio to include games like Call of Duty and give developers more ways to offer streaming games. We’re excited to give gamers more ways to play the games they love.”
The European Commission’s official decision is expected before April 25. Insider Gaming has contacted both Microsoft and representatives of the European Commission for comment on the report. If a response is received, this story will be updated accordingly.
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