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Microsoft called UK regulator’s concerns over ActiBlizz deal misplaced and said body only listens to Sony

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which launched an in-depth investigation into the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal in mid-September, has released a document outlining the body’s main concerns.

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In short, CMA fears less competition in the console, streaming, and subscription markets. Microsoft reacted to this , calling the fears “inappropriate”, and also accused the regulator of listening too much to Sony.

These unsubstantiated theories of alleged harm to Sony are not enough to justify moving the deal into a second phase. The assumption that the clear leader can lose a significant part of the market by losing one game series is not credible.

Sony may not welcome increased competition, but it has every opportunity to adapt and compete. Ultimately, gamers will benefit from increased competition.

In support of its words, Microsoft said that Sony has a user base of 150 million, while the Xbox has only 63.7 million. In addition, the company is confident that Sony’s position helps it, for example, increase the cost of consoles without fear of losing market share.

In its document, Microsoft even gave the number of users of Call of Duty on the PlayStation (it is not in the public domain). The company believes that even with the loss of these players, Sony will still be ahead of the Xbox in terms of user base.

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Separately, Microsoft noted that Sony recently bought studios such as Haven and Bungie, and in 2021 over 280 exclusive titles from affiliated and third-party studios were released on the PlayStation. Almost five times more than on Xbox.

Microsoft also confirmed once again that it will not make Call of Duty an Xbox exclusive as it would “tarnish both brands.” The company hopes to make a solid profit from Call of Duty on the PlayStation as well.

Microsoft stressed that the Xbox is in last place among gaming consoles and seventh when it comes to PC. As for mobile, there Microsoft, in fact, is not represented at all.

Not so long ago, the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard was approved by Brazil and Saudi Arabia, and the head of Take-Two called the purchase a good step for Microsoft and the entire gaming industry.

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