Overwhelming Public Support for Microsoft-Activision Deal, Reveals UK Regulator

A significant majority of the public comments submitted to the UK's Competition and Markets Authority regarding the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft expressed support for the deal. The regulator collected approximately 2,600 comments over a two-week period in October as part of its inquiry into the merger. However, about 500 of these comments were disqualified due to abusive content, blank submissions, or failure to meet other criteria. Among the remaining 2,100 comments, roughly 75% endorsed the deal, while 25% opposed it, with a minimal number taking a neutral stance. The reasons provided by supporters included the potential for Microsoft to better compete with Sony and Nintendo in the console gaming market, the likelihood that Microsoft would maintain Activision's content on multiple platforms to maximize revenue, and the belief that the merger would enable Microsoft to provide stronger guidance and encourage diversification in Activision's game development. On the other hand, opponents of the merger cited concerns about industry consolidation, the potential for Microsoft to make Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox, and the potential impact on the cloud gaming market and new entrants. The Competition and Markets Authority is expected to publish its final report on the acquisition by March 1, 2023.