Britain Blocks Acquisition of 'Call of Duty' Maker Activision Blizzard

In a major setback for Microsoft, the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority has put Microsoft's proposed $69 billion acquisition of 'Call of Duty' maker Activision Blizzard on ice due to fears it would stifle competition in cloud gaming. 

The CMA believes that allowing such an expansive merger could lead to Xbox Game Pass becoming a de facto monopoly for this sector, by reducing or eliminating access for other major industry players like Sony and Nintendo. 

Despite their opposition from competition authorities worldwide including the EU Commission & US Federal Trade Commission, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith said in a statement that the company remains “fully committed to this acquisition adn will appeal.”

- CyberBeat