Regulatory process around Purchase of Microsoft Activision continues in many parts of the world. However, it is in Europe, and specifically in the United Kingdom, that the scrutiny has become much stricter than expected. This week the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) stated that open to public opinion on this issue; with all the pluses and minuses that entail.
“For now, we invite everyone, including members of the public, to share their views with us,” they note (via VGK). The idea is include comments from any sector that may be affected – positively or negatively – for the purchase of Activision. Including, of course, consumers.
At first glance it might seem like a good idea to use player feedback. The problem arises when we realize that most of the conversation has as participants fans; no matter with PlayStation or Xbox. Not a day has passed since Microsoft announced its proposed purchase that these legions of toxics haven’t discussed the issue on social media. Prior, yes, your preference for a particular brand.
Therefore, it would be interesting to know how the CMA will filter the objective messages of those who are guided only by the protection of the platform to which they have some affinity.
The purchase of Activision is likely to be decided before 2023.
As the British regulator himself noted, his plan is to take into account all possible opinions, and then evaluate them. “If we believe that a merger could have a negative impact on competition, we will also start thinking about possible solutions to these problems,” they said. After they analyze and understand all the necessary information, they will publish the intermediate result. This, however, could wait until March 2023.
Recently, the European Union has already requested the opinion of distributors and developers of video games, but without involving the public. Mostly because they want to know if buying Activision could hurt them in one way or another. “Video game developers, publishers and distributors have been asked if the deal will impact their negotiating positions on the terms for selling console and PC games through Xbox and its Game Pass game streaming service,” he said. Reuters.
Although the purchase includes several studios and franchises, the one that causes the most concern – and controversy – is Call of Duty. Making it exclusive to the Xbox platform could be a huge blow to the PlayStation business, which is why Sony stands by its side. According to the Japanese, neither they nor anyone else is able to develop a saga with such a level of consequences as Call of Duty.
Source: Hiper Textual
