Microsoft and Activision Blizzard: The Final Sprint

This week, the US District Court Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley rejected the Federal Trade Commission's request for a preliminary injunction against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, paving the way for the deal to be completed ahead of the July 18 deadline. However, the FTC has filed an appeal, which will be heard by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Meanwhile, Microsoft and the UK's Competition Markets Authority have announced new proposals to address concerns over the deal, with the CMA extending its deadline for a final decision to August 29. Analysts believe that the deal is likely to close, but with some modifications to appease the CMA. The FTC's appeal is unlikely to succeed, given its poor track record in such cases, and the fact that it cannot present new evidence. Microsoft may offer behavioral accommodations, such as not offering Call of Duty on Xbox Cloud Gaming in the UK, to address the CMA's concerns. The deal's completion is crucial, as it will have significant implications for the gaming industry and the future of cloud gaming. Other news in the gaming industry includes the launch of a new EA studio, Cliffhanger Games, which will develop a game based on the Black Panther franchise, and the creation of the Allied Employees Guild Improving Sega, a union for employees at Sega of America. Additionally, Media Molecule has opened up Dreams' creations to commercial use, and Sony has invested $2.16 billion in research and development for its games segment.