The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has granted its approval for Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, marking a significant milestone in the gaming industry. This transaction, valued at a staggering $68.7 billion, has received unconditional support from the regulatory body. The acquisition proposal was originally submitted in April of the preceding year.
According to the financial watchdog, the consolidation of these two gaming giants will not impede competition within the console gaming market. This assertion is attributed to the relatively modest market share held by both companies in Korea, where their games are developed and distributed. Among Activision Blizzard’s prominent game franchises are Starcraft, Diablo, and Call of Duty.
Analyzing the market share, it is evident that the Call of Duty and Diablo titles collectively hold a meager 0 to 2 percent share. Therefore, the FTC concluded that the acquisition would not undermine fair competition in the industry.
Microsoft, elated by the FTC’s decision, expressed that the acquisition of Activision Blizzard would enable them to augment their game subscription platform. By incorporating Activision Blizzard’s diverse portfolio of games, Microsoft aims to enrich its offerings and provide an enhanced gaming experience to its users.
It is noteworthy that the European Union also granted approval for this momentous deal on May 15, further affirming its significance on a global scale.
