Regulators in the UK Vote to Block Microsoft / Activision Merger

It has been over a year since we first heard the shocking news that Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard for almost $70 billion. During that time frame, the corporation has seen many wins and losses regarding the approval of the acquisition. While it has been approved in countries like Japan and Brazil, it has yet to be given the green light in the United States and the UK. Now, Microsoft and Xbox are facing their biggest hurdle: UK regulators have officially voted to block the merger with Activision.

The official details of the block were released in a press release (via Destructoid). The Competition and Markets Authority has halted the acquisition “over concerns the deal would alter the future of the fast-growing cloud gaming market.” It believes the partnership will lead to “reduced innovation and fewer choices for UK gamers over the years to come.”

Unsurprisingly, Microsoft will exercise its right to appeal the decision to block the merger with Activision in the UK. Microsoft president Brad Smith said, “We’re especially disappointed that after lengthy deliberations, this decision appears to reflect a flawed understanding of this market and the way the relevant cloud technology actually works.”

Due to this vote and the FTC officially blocking the merger, too, I doubt we’ll see the two companies combine anytime soon. Personally, I’m tired of hearing of all of this drama. Monopolies are never a good thing for consumers. And it should not take a partnership with Microsoft to force the dreaded Bobby Kotick out of Activision Blizzard.