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The biggest gaming deal in history has made it through one of its biggest boss fights.
The European Union approved Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard on Monday in a huge win for the Xbox-maker. The European Commission was convinced by concessions made by Microsoft to allow Activision games on all cloud platforms.
Microsoft previously struck deals with Nintendo and Nvidia on distribution of Activision’s titles, which includes best sellers such as “Call of Duty” and “World of Warcraft.” It has also pledged to make its games available on all cloud streaming platforms.
Sony, a rival in the gaming space, has opposed the deal. Its PlayStation remains the dominant console in the market, but Microsoft seeks to be a force in cloud gaming through the acquisition.
Regulators have been evaluating whether the deal would harm competition, particularly in the emerging cloud gaming sector.
The decision creates a potentially confusing dynamic after the U.K. blocked the deal. Microsoft is appealing that decision. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission has sued to block it, a decision Microsoft is also fighting in court. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for August.
South Africa’s Competition Commission also approved the deal. Regulators in Australia and New Zealand are still examining it.
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