EU’s “in-depth investigation” could spell trouble for Microsoft/Activision deal

Enlarge / Taking a close look... (credit: Aurich Lawson / Ars Technica)

The European Commission today said its preliminary investigation of Microsoft's proposed $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard "may significantly reduce competition on the markets for the distribution of console and PC video games." As such, the government group is now opening what it calls an "in-depth investigation" of the proposed merger, which it says will be completed by March 23, 2023.

"We must ensure that opportunities remain for future and existing distributors of PC and console video games, as well as for rival suppliers of PC operating systems," European Union Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. "The point is to ensure that the gaming ecosystem remains vibrant to the benefit of users in a sector that is evolving at a fast pace. Our in-depth investigation will assess how the deal affects the gaming supply chain."

Specific concerns

In announcing the new investigation, the Commission says that it is worried "in particular" that the merger will "foreclose access" to "high-profile and highly successful games... such as Call of Duty" on non-Microsoft platforms. In response to such concerns, Microsoft recently promised that it would ensure Call of Duty remained on PlayStation platforms "as long as there is a PlayStation."

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