Among the reasons that prompted the British antitrust (CMA) to seek clarification Microsoft With the initiation of new investigations regarding the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, star field And Elder Scrolls 6 by Bethesda. Reason? After acquiring Zenimax, Microsoft made two exclusive titles to the Xbox ecosystem when they were cross-platform before.
Microsoft’s behavior in the stated situations is highlighted in clause 27 of the document, along with the reasons for the decision to delay approval, which we can read:
“The CMA reviewed internal documents and economic analysis to assess whether Microsoft would have an incentive to lien on competitor ABK (Activision Blizzard Ed.) Content. The CMA did not limit its analysis to short-term assessment of benefits or costs.” Static for Microsoft resulting from these strategies.” ABK content from competitors could outweigh any sudden losses in licensing revenue, such as expanding the user base and improving network effects on the ecosystem. (like Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls VI), one of the studios it bought in a $7.5 billion deal with
In paragraph 28, the CMA emphasizes that Microsoft’s direct competitor, Sony in particular, will suffer from the acquisition, which Nintendo will not suffer greatly because the Nintendo Switch is not coming. call of DutyMario’s home strategy is more geared towards family products and new and original ways to play and have fun.
According to the CMA (point 29), PlayStation currently has the largest share of the gaming market (console industry), but Call of Duty is a crucial product for the company and losing access to the franchise would be a huge loss in terms of revenue. and base. users. In particular, the effects of the purchase will be felt at the beginning of the next generation when users are asked to choose which hardware to purchase. In short, the acquisition would have weakened Sony a lot and would have had a decisive impact on competition in the console market.
Source: Multiplayer
