Regulators Block Microsoft's Purchase of Activision Blizzard to Protect Competition

The Competition and Markets Authority rejected Microsoft's $69 billion purchase of Activision because of the deal's potential harm to competition in the cloud gaming market.
Microsoft's dominant position in cloud gaming would be made even stronger by acquiring a company that produces major gaming titles like Call of Duty.
Microsoft argues the deal will expand consumer access to games but regulators say it would reduce choices for gamers.
Microsoft and Activision plan to appeal the decision but the CMA's ruling casts doubt on the future of the acquisition.
Regulators in other countries, like the United States and European Union, are also investigating the proposed merger.