“The acquisition of a game studio by the third-ranked game computer manufacturer cannot distort competition in the game industry,” Microsoft said in a response to the US competition watchdog FTC.
The regulator is investigating whether Microsoft will become too powerful in the game industry after the acquisition. The watchdog shared its concerns with the software giant earlier this month.
Microsoft has already made several commitments in hopes of getting the green light. For example, the company wants to promise Call of Duty release for Sony’s PlayStation for at least another ten years.
Several competitors, including Sony, do not like the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. They fear that after the takeover, Microsoft will release well-known Activision Blizzard games, such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft in Diablono longer releases for Sony’s PlayStation, for example.
Gamers are also concerned about the takeover. A group of American gamers even tries to stop them through the courts. The gamers say that the acquisition gives Microsoft “enormous power in the gaming sector”. This could also hinder Microsoft’s competitors.
Microsoft still expects to receive approval for the acquisition. The group is prepared to come up with creative solutions together with regulators. Activision Blizzard is also convinced that the acquisition can go ahead.
