The European Union has issued an antitrust warning to Microsoft over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
The European Union warns Microsoft before acquiring Activision Blizzard. The main reason for this formal EU warning to Microsoft is due to a possible exclusivity for major video game brands like Call of Duty, which could affect competition in the video game market.
The move comes after the EU launched an in-depth investigation into the deal in November, which found Microsoft could have an incentive to block access to Activision’s popular ‘Call of Duty’ franchise in the future it in the statement of the EU.
“Such foreclosure strategies could reduce competition in the console and PC video game distribution markets, which could lead to higher prices, lower quality and less innovation for console game distributors, which in turn could be passed on to consumers.”
Microsoft responded by saying, “We are listening carefully to the European Commission’s concerns and are confident that we can address them.”