I find this an odd outcome given the CMA's decision was based purely on cloud gaming. In all the media coverage, Sony's main concern was about being potentially denied access to CoD, nothing to do with cloud services. From reading ABK's statement following this verdict it sounds as if they might consider pulling out of the UK market and proceed with the merger anyway ( assuming the CMA appeal fails, and the merger doesn't get blocked in the EU or US ). They are very scathing about the UK government / economy. Hard to argue against that to be fair !Deal blocked in UK. MS will appeal.
Microsoft and Activision Blizzard hit out as UK regulator blocks takeover
The maker of hit games Call of Duty and Candy Crush says "the UK is clearly closed for business".www.bbc.co.uk
Don't sell in the UK. CMA avoided.
That's my fear. And this could be a reality if the merger isn't blocked in any other region.
Difficult to say, as there are so many legal aspects and technicalities to consider. My guess is that Activision games would be geofenced from the UK ie. not accessible on Game Pass or even as direct sales. On social media some armchair legal experts are saying the entire Microsoft corporation would be prevented from trading in the UK. I think that's unlikely and would no doubt be challenged in court. But if MS did pull out from the UK who would that hurt more ? MS or the UK ? Think of how many businesses, public agencies etc are reliant on Windows and other MS services.
That logic is sound, but I think Microsoft are already too large for most individual governments to bully. This isn't going to end well for UK consumers/gamers particularly if the merger is approved in the EU and US. Which is ironic, since the CMA claims it made its verdict to protect UK gamers.
www.bloomberg.com
Can't see CMA over turning this either tbh
