Recently, Japan joined the growing list of countries favoring the Activision Blizzard acquisition. This was not too surprising since Activision games like Call of Duty have not found much popularity in the region.
Following the latest developments on the Microsoft-Activision merger, South Africa has now approved the acquisition.
South African regulator, the Competition Commission, released a new report reviewing the decision.
The regulator addressed previously discussed concerns like Microsoft potentially limiting Call of Duty access to Xbox consoles and PC. These concerns were denied by the regulator, with the Competition Commission stating that Microsoft has little evidence to do so.
The report also highlighted Microosft’s recent commitments and deals, which will ensure Call of Duty on Nintendo platforms and access to several cloud gaming services like Ubitus and EE.
These measures have also convinced more strict regulators like the CMA. The regulator has now abandoned concerns regarding competition in the console market, with efforts focused on the cloud gaming market.
These approvals can be seen as small but meaningful steps for Microsoft toward full ownership of Activision Blizzard and its IPs.
Previously, countries like Serbia, Chile, Saudia Arabia, and Brazil have also approved the Activision Blizzard acquisition. However, Sony continues to oppose the deal, going as far as to say the CMA’s conclusion on the deal is irrational.
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