Xbox Rivals Express Concerns Over Potential Impact of Activision Blizzard Merger on Competition

A recent summary of meetings conducted by the UK regulator as part of its investigation into Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard has shed light on the opinions of six rival companies. These companies, which are either current or potential competitors in the console gaming or cloud gaming services market, were asked to share their thoughts on the potential impact of the merger. Half of the companies expressed concerns that the acquisition would harm competition, citing the potential for Microsoft to limit access to popular titles like Call of Duty. Two companies did not share these concerns, while a third stated that it was too early to determine the potential effects. The companies also discussed the growing popularity of multi-game subscription services, with some noting that Microsoft already holds a dominant position in this space. Additionally, the majority of companies emphasized the importance of AAA content in the success of cloud gaming, with some highlighting the significance of Activision's games in this context. The report further revealed that two companies discussed Microsoft's extensive portfolio, including Windows OS, Azure, Xbox, and Game Pass, and expressed worries about the potential consequences for competition if Activision Blizzard's games and studios were to be added to this lineup.