Microsoft Submits Proposals to EU in Bid to Secure Approval for Activision Blizzard Acquisition

As part of its efforts to secure European Union approval for its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft has formally submitted its proposed remedies to address concerns surrounding the deal. According to a filing with the European Commission, the specifics of these remedies have not been disclosed. The EU's antitrust authority will now engage in discussions with Microsoft's competitors and customers regarding the proposed solutions, with a final decision on the acquisition expected by May 22, 2023. In its initial assessment published in November, the European Commission expressed concerns that Microsoft might restrict access to Activision's games, including the popular Call of Duty series, on non-Microsoft platforms, potentially impacting the cloud gaming and subscription markets. Following a formal antitrust warning issued in January, Microsoft has moved to alleviate these concerns by proposing remedies, including licensing agreements for Call of Duty and other Activision Blizzard titles to ensure their availability on multiple platforms and cloud gaming services. A Microsoft spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to making Call of Duty accessible to a broader audience, citing agreements with Nintendo, Nvidia, Boosteroid, and Ubitus as examples of its dedication to promoting gamer interests through the proposed acquisition.