Following the CMA’s latest decision to block the Activision Blizzard merger, the UK regulator has released a new document elaborating on this decision. The document highlights various vital pieces of information that led to the decision and also revealed a potential acquisition that Microsoft attempted before Activision Blizzard.
According to the CMA, Microsoft tried to purchase a mobile gaming publisher before the $68.7 billion deal with Activision.
While this acquisition did not succeed, it should not be shocking that Microsoft is currently interested in the mobile gaming market.
Previously, Phil Spencer claimed that mobile gaming was the real strategic angle with the $68.7 billion purchase. Activision currently owns mobile games like Candy Crush, Call of Duty, Diablo Immortal, and more.
These games have given the publisher a considerable advantage in revenue and popularity on mobile devices worldwide, and Microsoft hoped to share this success after the acquisition.
Last month, Microsoft also hoped to rival Google and Apple with a mobile application store in the future. Games like Candy Crush would give Microsoft an inherent advantage at the early stages of this store.
Fans have speculated that this attempted purchase may have targeted Zynga. The mobile gaming publisher’s acquisition was completed by Take-Two shortly after Microsoft announced plans for the $68.7 billion deal.
Zynga cost only $12.7 billion for Take-Two, which would have been an easy purchase for Microsoft.
This could also mean that Microsoft may try another mobile gaming acquisition if the deal with Activision fails completely. However, the gaming giant remains hopeful about the future of the Microsoft-Activision merger for now.
Following yesterday’s decision, Microosft announced it would appeal the CMA’s decision. It remains to be seen if this decision will be beneficial, but both Microsoft and Activision are currently dedicated to completing the deal.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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