The EU is preparing a warning on antitrust law about Microsoft's 8 trillion yen acquisition of Activision Blizzard

Microsoft announced in January 2022 that it will acquire Activision Blizzard, known for popular games such as the Call of Duty series and Diablo series, for approximately $ 69 billion (approximately 8.86 trillion yen). However, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit to stop the acquisition, saying that this acquisition plan may conflict with antitrust laws. Newly, it became clear that the EU Fair Trade Commission is planning to warn Microsoft about the antitrust law.

Microsoft faces EU antitrust warning over Activision deal - sources | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-faces-eu-antitrust-warning-over-activision-deal-sources-2023-01-16/

In addition to developing the game machine 'Xbox' series, Microsoft also has an aspect as a large game company that has several famous game companies under its umbrella. Such Microsoft announced in January 2022 that it will acquire Activision Blizzard. The announcement of the acquisition attracted a lot of attention because Activision Blizzard is the developer of super popular games such as the Call of Duty series and Diablo series, and the acquisition amount is about $ 69 billion.

Microsoft announces acquisition of Activision Blizzard for about 8 trillion yen, Cotic CEO who is in the midst of sexual harassment problem retires after completion of acquisition - GIGAZINE

However, since the scale of Activision Blizzard, which is scheduled to be acquired, is too large, it was pointed out that it may violate the antitrust law from the beginning of the acquisition announcement. Then, in December 2022, the FTC sued Microsoft to stop the acquisition. In addition, large companies such as Google and NVIDIA also announced their opposition to the acquisition in January 2023.

Federal Trade Commission sues to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard - GIGAZINE

According to information newly obtained by Reuters from stakeholders, the EU's Fair Trade Commission is also working to prevent Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Microsoft has held an informal meeting with the EU and proposed a countermeasure to avoid the regulation, but it is said that the EU is unlikely to accept the countermeasure.

“We will continue to work with the European Commission to address market concerns,” Microsoft told Reuters. I will do it, ”he said, showing a stance to continue negotiations to complete the acquisition.

Regarding the Call of Duty series developed by Activision Blizzard, a contract was signed between Microsoft and Nintendo in December 2022 to ``supply Call of Duty for 10 years''. Also, Microsoft's executives have revealed their rivalry against Sony by saying that 'the main opponent of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is Sony' and 'Sony is clinging to Call of Duty.'

Microsoft executives say ``The main opponent of Activision Blizzard acquisition is Sony'' and ``Clinging to Call of Duty''-GIGAZINE

by Gage Skidmore