The regulatory process around Microsoft purchase of Activision continues in much of the world. However, it is in Europe, and specifically in the United Kingdom, where the review has become much stricter than expected. This week, the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) said that is open to listening to public opinion on the subject; with all the advantages and disadvantages that this entails.
“At this point, we invite everyone, including members of the public, to share their views with us,” they mention (via VGC). The idea is include comments from any sector that could be affected —positively or negatively— for the purchase of Activision. That includes, of course, consumers.
At first glance, it might seem like a good idea to involve player feedback. The problem comes when we realize that much of the conversation has as participants the fanboys; regardless if they are from PlayStation or Xbox. Since Microsoft announced its proposed purchase, there hasn’t been a single day that these legions of toxics haven’t discussed the issue on social media. Preceding, yes, your preference for one or another brand.
It would be interesting, therefore, to know how the CMA would filter the objective messages of those who are only governed by defending a platform for which they feel some kind of affinity.
The purchase of Activision will probably be decided until 2023
As mentioned by the British regulator itself, its plan is to include all possible opinions and then evaluate them. “If we think the merger could have a negative impact on competition, we will also start thinking about possible solutions to those concerns,” they said. Once they have analyzed and understood all the required information, they will issue an interim result. This, however, could be made to wait until March 2023.
Recently, the European Union had already requested the opinion of video game distributors and developers – but without including the public. Mainly because they want to know if the purchase of Activision could harm them in one way or another. “Video game developers, publishers and distributors were asked if the deal would affect their bargaining power regarding the terms for selling console and PC games through Xbox and its game streaming service, Game Pass,” he said. Reuters.
Although the purchase involves multiple studios and franchises, the one that generates the most concern —and debate— is Call of Duty. Making it an Xbox platform exclusive could be a huge blow to PlayStation’s business, which is why Sony has stuck to its guns. According to those in Japan, neither they nor anyone else have the ability to develop a saga with the level of repercussion of Call of Duty.