Xbox Reportedly Getting Antitrust Warning from EU Over Activision Deal

As the video game industry waits for a response to Microsoft's proposed purchase of Activision Blizzard, it seems another potential hurdle could stand in the way. According to a new report from Reuters, the European Commission is"readying a charge sheet known as a statement of objections setting out its concerns about the deal." While the antitrust warning has not been given to Microsoft just yet, it seems it will happen"in the coming weeks" according to Reuters sources.

Since the $69 billion dollar deal was announced last year, there has been global concern over what impact it could have on the video game industry as a whole. Activision Blizzard owns the Call of Duty franchise, which is at the heart of many concerns. Last month, Microsoft pledged to keep the franchise on PlayStation for at least 10 years, with a contract that would be legally enforceable by regulators.

While many have argued that the deal would make the Xbox brand too powerful, Microsoft has continually pointed to the fact that its systems come in third behind PlayStation and Nintendo. While regulators are concerned about competition, Microsoft maintains that this would help it to better compete. PlayStation has been a dominant force in the industry since its entrance, and the Nintendo Switch continues to sell incredibly well after nearly six years on the market.

Some countries have already voiced their approval for the deal, but Xbox will have a much more difficult time convincing regulators in the U.S., U.K., and EU. It's impossible to say what might happen, but the EU will decide by April 11th, while the U.K. plans to make its decision by April 26th. 0commentsDo you think the deal will go through? Would the purchase give Xbox too much power in the industry? Let us know in the comments or share your thoughts directly on Twitter and on Hive at @Marcdachamp to talk all things gaming!

Source: News Formal (newsformal.com)

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Fortnite Reportedly Getting In-Game LEGO CollaborationAccording to reliable Fortnite leaker GMatrixGames, it seems that some kind of LEGO collaboration [...]
Source: ComicBook - 🏆 65. / 68 Read more »

Microsoft faces EU antitrust warning over Activision deal - sourcesMicrosoft is likely to receive an EU antitrust warning about its $69 billion bid for 'Call of Duty' maker Activision Blizzard , people familiar with the matter said, that could pose another challenge to completing the deal. The deal will still pass I just need more copium Good to know.🙂 Listen I need starcraft and war craft on my xbox alright... relax.
Source: Reuters - 🏆 2. / 97 Read more »

Xbox Report Says Cancelled Exclusive Could Get a Second ChanceThis month officially marked a disappointing anniversary for Xbox fans, as January 9th, 2017 saw [...] This month officially marked a disappointing anniversary for Xbox fans, as January 9th, 2017 saw the cancellation of Scalebound. The collaboration between Microsoft and PlatinumGames had seen a lot of anticipation from Xbox One owners, but the game failed to materialize.
Source: ComicBook - 🏆 65. / 68 Read more »

PolitiFact - No, this isn’t a video of Hillary Clinton getting arrestedA video from 2016 shows Hillary Clinton departing a 9/11 memorial ceremony early because she got overheated. It doesn’t show her getting arrested, as a Facebook post claims, or collapsing because JFK Jr. was there, too. it's like a storm surge of insanity. Like these people are drinking lead lemonade. These are the same people who question Joe Biden’s mental competence.
Source: PolitiFact - 🏆 17. / 71 Read more »

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Reportedly Welcome Rainbow BabyJust over two years after a devastating pregnancy loss, Chrissy Teigen has reportedly welcomed a baby with husband John Legend. Who cares Was hoping brake up for more love cry songs 🙄 Congratulations !!!
Source: NBCLA - 🏆 319. / 59 Read more »

Kliff Kingsbury reportedly chooses vacationing in Thailand over NFL coaching interviewsAfter being fired from the Arizona Cardinals, Kliff Kingsbury reportedly bought a one-way ticket to Thailand and told NFL teams he wasn't interested in coaching.
Source: usatodaysports - 🏆 454. / 53 Read more »