EU Approves Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard  Acquisition, With Conditions

The video game industry cycles through billions of dollars every year, with a lot of money and property exchanging hands. However, none of that happens without due diligence. A big purchase that the entire business world is watching is Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, for almost $70 billion. After going through numerous checkpoints, the European Union has officially signed off on one of the biggest business purchases in history. However, it will be forced to comply with a series of conditions designed to keep it balanced, stable, and above board to ensure that it is handled in a considerate manner.

Microsoft Buying Activision Blizzard

Both Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have been powerhouses in the world of technology and gaming for quite some time, but the latter had a significant head start. PC computers are still considered the preferred choice for gaming and the company’s Xbox has been able to compete with other gaming platforms, but will expand its gaming influence by acquiring Activision Blizzard. Despite opposition from the UK, the EU has officially signed off on the acquisition.

According to the European Commission, the process will need to adhere to a multitude of conditions. Their investigation showed that the acquisition would have the potential to give Microsoft incredible influence and power in the gaming market.

To prevent harm and exclusivity, the following conditions have been proposed: First, Microsoft must offer a free license to consumers in the EEA that would allow them to stream via any cloud gaming service, applying to both current and future Activision Blizzard games.

Second, Microsoft must provide a corresponding free license to cloud game streaming service providers, which would allow EEA-based users to stream any of Activision Blizzard’s games. It appears that Microsoft is prepared to commit to this for a period of at least 10 years. It is unknown when the deal will be finalized and how it will affect Activision Blizzard’s upcoming Diablo 4.

Microsoft is always looking to expand its stake in the gaming market, and it’s willing to shell out billions to do it. With the EU approval and the proposed conditions, it looks like the company’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard will finally happen.