{"id":63083,"date":"2022-09-01T19:27:59","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T19:27:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/uk-watchdog-wants-in-depth-investigation-into-xbox-activision-acquisition-xbox-responds\/"},"modified":"2022-09-01T19:27:59","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T19:27:59","slug":"uk-watchdog-wants-in-depth-investigation-into-xbox-activision-acquisition-xbox-responds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/uk-watchdog-wants-in-depth-investigation-into-xbox-activision-acquisition-xbox-responds\/","title":{"rendered":"UK Watchdog Wants ‘In-Depth Investigation’ Into Xbox-Activision Acquisition – Xbox Responds"},"content":{"rendered":"
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has recommended an “in-depth investigation” into Xbox’s intended acquisition of Action-Blizzard. Xbox has responded, saying it will work to address the watchdog’s concerns.<\/p>\n
After announcing a Phase 1 investigation in July, the CMA has released its initial results, citing several concerns about the effects of the deal. The CMA says, “it could harm rivals, including recent and future entrants into gaming, by refusing them access to Activision Blizzard games or providing access on much worse terms.” It added that “Microsoft could leverage Activision Blizzard’s games together with Microsoft’s strength across console, cloud, and PC operating systems to damage competition in the nascent market for cloud gaming services.”<\/p>\n
It has now recommended a Phase 2 investigation, which would see an independent panel of experts providing a more intensive probe into those concerns. Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard now have 5 days to submit responses to prevent a Phase 2 investigation.<\/p>\n Microsoft president Brad Smith has responded directly to the announcement. In a statement provided to IGN, Smith said, “We’re ready to work with the CMA on next steps and address any of its concerns. Sony, as the industry leader, says it is worried about Call of Duty, but we’ve said we are committed to making the same game available on the same day on both Xbox and PlayStation. We want people to have more access to games, not less.\u201d<\/p>\n