Microsoft has dabbled in Activision Blizzard games in an effort to complete its plan to acquire the mega-publisher.
Since the gigante tecnológico anunciara planes para comprar Activision Blizzard has principios de este año, los regulators de la competencia comenzaron has investigated the acquisition. In a recent clearance application (opens in a new tab) submitted to the New Zealand Commerce Commission, Microsoft attempted to justify the acquisition by deliberately swiping games from Activision Blizzard (thanks, RockPaperShotgun (opens in a new pestaña)).
"When it comes to Activision Blizzard games, there is nothing unique about games developed and published by Activision Blizzard that is a 'must have' for rival PC and console game publishers that could lead to a crash issue," he said. Microsoft. in the application.
conflicting views
It's a somewhat amusing justification for redemption. Microsoft will be willing to show regulators that its proposed acquisition of one of the world's largest video game publishers will not substantially harm competition in the market or consumers. It's done here by blowing up Activision Blizzard games, showing off the IPs it wants to buy for a whopping €68 million.
But regulators may not be so easily swayed. Activision's upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and spin-off of the battle royale series Call of Duty: Warzone 2 are expected to be among the biggest games of the year.
Speaking to the Brazilian regulator in a recent report (opens in a new tab), Sony highlighted the dominance that Call of Duty would give Microsoft over the entire industry. He described Call of Duty as "an essential game" and a "triple A dude that can't be beaten" (Google translated).
"Call of Duty is so popular that it influences users' choice of console," Sony said. "Their network of loyal users is so entrenched that even if a competitor had the budget to develop a similar product, they couldn't compete."
Sony went on to cite an anonymous study from 2019, citing it as follows: “The importance of Call of Duty to entertainment in general is indescribable. The brand was the only video game IP to break into the top 10 of all entertainment brands among fans, joining powerhouses like Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
In its response to the New Zealand Trade Commission, Microsoft again reiterated its commitment not to remove content from competing platforms such as PS5, PS4 or any future PlayStation consoles. It has previously said it plans to honor all existing agreements to make Activision Blizzard games cross-platform. Notably, though, he didn't explicitly say that Activision's upcoming games, including Call of Duty, ultimately won't be exclusive to Xbox and PC.
Microsoft and the rest of the games industry will now wait for competition regulators to complete their reviews. But the case could face an inquisition.