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The latest twist in the ongoing Xbox Activision acquisition saga has seen Ubisoft come to the rescue of Microsoft, as the UK’s CMA has announced it’s now provisionally approving the deal.
The Competition and Markets Authority had been the major sticking point in Microsoft’s purchase of the Call of Duty maker, having previously blocked the sale due to concerns about cloud gaming. However, MS’ decision to sell Activision’s cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft seems to have put some of those fears to rest. “While the CMA has identified limited residual concerns with the new deal, Microsoft has put forward remedies which the CMA has provisionally concluded should address these issues” reads a statement on the governing body’s website.
While it’s not a done deal just yet – the CMA must now consult on the remedies before returning a final decision – it’s a huge win for Xbox, making their acquisition of Activision look that much more likely by the October 18 deadline. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith made the following statement over on Twitter about the decision. “We are encouraged by this positive development in the CMA’s review process. We presented solutions that we believe fully address the CMA’s remaining concerns related to cloud game streaming, and we will continue to work toward earning approval to close prior to the October 18 deadline.”
Activision were also pleased with the developments, of course, and CEO Bobby Kotick posted a company wide email which was shared by CCO/EVP Lulu Cheng Meservey on her account: “As I said when we announced the deal, this transaction will help us accelerate our ambitions for the future of gaming and enable us to better serve our players. Microsoft recognises the commitment to excellence and creative independence that has served us well for the last 30 years. I am confident that their resources, technology, and tools will provide us even greater opportunities to create even better games.”
What this means for those of us who play the games is still at this juncture largely unknown, but it does bring the possibility of seeing Call of Duty games on Game Pass a little closer. It was back in August that it was announced Ubisoft had been granted cloud streaming rights to all Activision Blizzard games now and in the next fifteen years, with the games heading to Ubisoft+ once the deal has closed.
In the meantime, Activision Blizzard has just announced that MW2 and Warzone Season 6 will begin next week, and then it’ll holding its Call of Duty Next stream this October to showcase Modern Warfare 3 and the future of the series. That’ll be followed immediately by the MW3 beta start date on October 6.
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