Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard has come under scrutiny from multiple competition regulators across the globe, and in the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority has decided to begin a second phase of inquiry into the deal. The CMA has expressed a number of concerns related to the $68.7 billion acquisition, which it says could have a major impact on Sony if Microsoft decides to make Activision Blizzard content exclusive to Xbox.
Microsoft has dismissed those claims and added that the CMA has adopted Sony’s complaints without doing an appropriate level of critical review. According to Microsoft (via Games Industry), there were more than 280 first- and third-party exclusive titles available on PlayStation, almost five times more than what Xbox had locked down, and it pointed out that Sony “losing access to one title” is not a credible argument.
“In short, Sony is not vulnerable to a hypothetical foreclosure strategy, and the Referral Decision incorrectly relies on self-serving statements by Sony which significantly exaggerate the importance of Call of Duty to it and neglect to account for Sony’s clear ability to competitively respond,” Microsoft said. “While Sony may not welcome increased competition, it has the ability to adapt and compete. Gamers will ultimately benefit from this increased competition and choice.”