Not even the excitement of Gamescom can overshadow the never-ending saga of Microsoft trying harder to buy Activision Blizzard than I’ve tried at anything in my life.
In today’s update, Microsoft has made a brand new offer, one that Brad Smith calls a “substantially different transaction” to try and win over the powers that be – the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.
Previously we reported that the CMA had put a block on the proposed $69 billion acquisition on the grounds that it would cause a significant monopoly in the cloud gaming market, something the new deal looks to address by signing over all cloud rights for Activision Blizzard games to Ubisoft for the next 15 years.
The CMA has released a statement saying they will review this new offer but cautioned Microsoft that this is not a green light and that they would deliver their final decision by the 18th of October.
Brad Smith says he hopes the presented changes will change the CMA’s mind.
“Microsoft will not be in a position either to release Activision Blizzard games exclusively on its own cloud streaming service, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or to exclusively control the licensing terms of Activision Blizzard games for rival services.
We believe that this new offer is positive for players, the progression of the cloud game streaming market, and for the growth of our industry.
We remain as committed as ever to bringing the incredible benefits of the acquisition to players, developers, and the industry. Today’s development brings us one step closer to bringing the joy of gaming to players everywhere.”
What do you think about all this? Will Microsoft ever close the deal? Let us know in the comments.