Microsoft’s ongoing acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard has reached another milestone as the South African Competition Commission has granted unconditional approval for the deal. This development follows similar approvals in Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Serbia, Chile, and Japan. While the merger is progressing on a global scale, it is worth noting that legal proceedings related to the merger are still underway in the United States involving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The South African Competition Commission thoroughly reviewed the facts about competition in the gaming industry and recommended the merger’s approval. This recommendation was subsequently accepted by the Competition Tribunal, which has now granted unconditional approval for the merger. Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick expressed gratitude for this affirmation from an important global regulator.

The South African Competition Commission stated that it has no significant concerns about Microsoft making Call of Duty an exclusive title for Xbox. The commission’s reasoning is based on Microsoft’s lack of ability and incentive to do so, as it would not be financially viable given the large player base on Sony’s PlayStation. Additionally, Microsoft has taken steps and signed deals to ensure that Call of Duty will continue to release on other console platforms in the future. While a 10-year deal has been struck between Microsoft and Nintendo, Sony has yet to respond to a similar offer.

The commission concluded that the proposed merger is unlikely to result in a substantial prevention or lessening of competition in any relevant markets. It further determined that the merger does not raise any substantial public interest concerns. This decision by the South African Competition Commission provides further support for Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

While approvals have been secured in several countries, Microsoft still awaits rulings from the United States and the United Kingdom. The UK’s Competition & Markets Authority is expected to announce its decision by April 26. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission has initiated legal proceedings to block the deal, and Microsoft has responded by stating its intent to fight the government in court, drawing parallels to the past United States v. Microsoft Corp. lawsuit. The outcome of these legal challenges will shape the future of the Activision Blizzard acquisition.

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has received another significant approval, this time from the South African Competition Commission. The commission’s assessment found no substantial concerns regarding Call of Duty exclusivity or the prevention of competition in relevant markets. As the merger progresses, attention turns to the rulings awaited from the UK and the ongoing legal battle with the US government. The outcome of these proceedings will determine the future landscape of the gaming industry and the extent of Microsoft’s influence.

Microsoft’s ongoing acquisition of Activision Blizzard continues to make waves in the gaming industry. With approvals from various global regulatory bodies, including the recent endorsement from the South African Competition Commission, the deal is progressing steadily. While the merger faces legal challenges in the United States and the United Kingdom, the potential implications of this acquisition on the gaming landscape are generating significant interest and speculation.

The South African Competition Commission’s unconditional approval of the merger signifies another step forward for Microsoft. This decision comes after a thorough review of competition in the gaming industry. Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick expressed his appreciation for the additional affirmation received from an important global regulator. With approvals in multiple countries, Microsoft’s acquisition is gradually gaining traction on a global scale.

One of the key concerns raised by regulators in different regions has been the potential exclusivity of the popular game franchise Call of Duty to the Xbox platform. However, the South African Competition Commission found no significant concerns in this regard. Microsoft’s lack of incentive, coupled with the financial impracticality of making Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox due to the large player base on PlayStation, was a determining factor. Microsoft has also taken steps to ensure that Call of Duty continues to release on other console platforms, having secured a 10-year deal with Nintendo.

The South African Competition Commission’s evaluation concluded that the proposed merger is unlikely to result in a substantial lessening of competition in relevant markets. Furthermore, no substantial public interest concerns were identified. This finding bolsters Microsoft’s position and reinforces its commitment to fair competition within the gaming industry.

While approvals have been obtained from various countries, Microsoft still awaits decisions from the United States and the United Kingdom. The UK’s Competition & Markets Authority is expected to issue its ruling soon, while the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit in the US raises potential hurdles. Microsoft’s response, signaling its readiness to fight the legal battle in court, demonstrates its determination to pursue the acquisition despite the challenges. Drawing parallels to its past legal disputes, Microsoft is prepared to navigate the complexities surrounding the merger.

If the acquisition proceeds as planned, Microsoft’s control over Activision Blizzard could reshape the gaming industry landscape. The consolidation of these two industry powerhouses would significantly expand Microsoft’s gaming portfolio and intellectual property. The combination of resources, expertise, and franchises may lead to innovative gaming experiences, collaborations, and potentially exclusive content. Additionally, Microsoft’s strategic focus on cloud gaming might drive advancements in this field, offering new possibilities for gamers worldwide.

Microsoft’s progress in acquiring Activision Blizzard receives another boost with the approval from the South African Competition Commission. The lack of concerns regarding Call of Duty exclusivity and competition underscores the viability of the merger. As Microsoft awaits decisions from the US and the UK, the gaming industry eagerly anticipates the potential implications of this acquisition. The future of the gaming landscape could see new horizons and collaborations as Microsoft strengthens its position in the industry and explores opportunities in cloud gaming and beyond.