2024-01-02 14:39:31
Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard King is undoubtedly the most impactful event in the video game industry in 2023. On April 26, the entire sphere was shaken when the CMA announced that it was refusing the takeover due to concerns linked to the cloud. Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, returns to this episode today with more gentleness.
The CMA was “severe”, but “fair”
While in April Brad Smith had affirmed that this decision had only “shaken” Microsoft’s confidence in the development of a technology company in Great Britain, Brad Smith recently interviewed by the BBC, the opportunity to confirm that he has “learned a lot on a personal level”. His remarks were transcribed by The Verge.
I wouldn’t necessarily go over all the concerns I raised during my interview in April, but I would perhaps choose slightly different words to make my point.
Brad Smith also plays fair and judges that the CMA was “severe”, but “fair”.
The CMA has applied strict standards and I respect that. In my opinion, she was strict and fair. It pushed Microsoft to modify the acquisition that we had proposed for Activision Blizzard, in order to cede certain rights that concerned the CMA with regard to cloud gaming.
This first opinion from the CMA subsequently led Microsoft to restructure the acquisition, in particular by granting Ubisoft the cloud gaming rights for Activision Blizzard King games for 15 years.
Ubisoft is now able to offer Activision Blizzard King games in its Ubisoft+ catalog with all DLC and add-on modules. Also, the French publisher can distribute streaming access licenses to other entities.
Finally, Ubisoft has the rights to already existing games in perpetuity, which obviously represents a significant advantage.
Although the Activision Blizzard King teams joined Microsoft in October, the first effects have not yet been felt by players. You will certainly have to show a little more patience before seeing Game Pass and Ubisoft+ benefit from Activision Blizzard King games.
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