Xbox Head Phil Spencer believes that various investigations by regulators around the world Activision Blizzard The acquisition is fair, but he believes the deal will work out.
With such a big deal trying to be done with Microsoft, it’s no surprise that it will receive some scrutiny. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority is concerned that the deal will “reduce competition”, so it remains in doubt whether it will pass. However, Spencer said in a recent interview at the Wall Street Journal’s Tech Live event that the investigation was “founded” (via VGC).
“It might surprise people, but I’m not an expert on doing $70 billion in deals,” Spencer said. “But I do know we’re very focused on getting approvals in key jurisdictions, and I’ve spent a lot of time in Brussels, London and the FTC.
“But I do know we’re very focused on getting approvals in key jurisdictions, and I’ve spent a lot of time in Brussels, London and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.” Spencer also said he continued discussions with the regulatory commission in London recently, And noted that he remains “confident that we will be approved”.
One of the biggest concerns about the deal is what will happen to the apparently sprawling Call of Duty franchise. During the same event, Spencer did note that Microsoft plans to “treat CoD like Minecraft,” but apparently to what extent remains to be seen (via GameSpot).
Microsoft’s main rebuttal to this, however, is that the deal is mostly about mobile games, not games like Call of Duty, an area the tech company hasn’t quite cracked. The CMA did say recently that the public is now willing to comment on the deal, and its ruling deadline on the investigation is March 1, so it’s only a matter of time before we know if it will happen.
