**Microsoft-Activision deal hits regulatory snag as UK watchdog kicks off in-depth probe**
**The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an in-depth investigation into Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, citing concerns about the deal’s potential impact on competition in the gaming industry.**
The CMA’s investigation will focus on whether the deal could lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the UK gaming market, particularly in relation to the supply of video games and cloud gaming services.
The CMA has invited comments from the public and other interested parties on the proposed deal by March 1, 2023.
**The CMA’s investigation is the latest in a series of regulatory hurdles that Microsoft has faced in its bid to acquire Activision Blizzard.** The deal has also been under scrutiny by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the European Commission.
**The FTC has already filed a lawsuit to block the deal, arguing that it would give Microsoft too much control over the video game market.** The European Commission is also investigating the deal, and has set a deadline of March 23, 2023, for Microsoft to address its concerns.
**Microsoft has defended the deal, arguing that it will not harm competition and will benefit gamers by giving them access to more games and services.** The company has also said that it is confident that it will be able to address the concerns of regulators.
**The CMA’s investigation is a significant development in the regulatory review of the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal.** The CMA is one of the most respected competition regulators in the world, and its decision could have a major impact on the outcome of the deal.
**If the CMA concludes that the deal would harm competition, it could block the deal or require Microsoft to make concessions to address its concerns.** This could delay the deal or make it more difficult for Microsoft to complete the acquisition.
The CMA’s investigation is expected to take several months to complete. A final decision is expected in early 2024.
**In the meantime, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard are continuing to work towards completing the deal.** The companies have said that they are confident that they will be able to address the concerns of regulators and complete the deal by the end of 2023.
**The Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal is one of the largest and most significant in the history of the video game industry.** The deal would give Microsoft control of some of the most popular video game franchises in the world, including .
