Microsoft’s Licensing Offer Said to Likely Satisfy EU on Activision Deal

Microsoft’s recent acquisition

Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, one of the biggest video game companies in the world, has raised concerns about competition and monopoly in the industry. The European Union (EU) has been particularly vocal about these concerns, as they fear that the merger could result in Microsoft dominating the gaming market.

However, Microsoft has recently announced a licensing offer that is said to likely satisfy the EU and ease their concerns. The offer is centred around licensing Activision’s popular game franchises to other companies, which would allow them to develop games based on those franchises.

Big move by Microsoft

This move by Microsoft is seen as a way to address the EU’s concerns about competition in the gaming market. By licensing out the rights to use Activision’s game franchises, Microsoft is creating a more level playing field for other companies in the industry. This will allow them to compete with Microsoft in the gaming market, rather than being shut out by the tech giant’s overwhelming dominance.

Furthermore, the licensing offer is not limited to small companies or indie developers. Even established game developers like Electronic Arts and Ubisoft can benefit from this offer, as they will now have access to Activision’s popular franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. This means that these companies can develop their own games based on these franchises, which will increase competition and innovation in the gaming industry.

Microsoft’s licensing offer is not just limited to the EU. The company has stated that it will be offering the same licensing deal to other regions, including the United States. This move is a clear sign that Microsoft is committed to creating a fair and competitive gaming industry.

Licensing offer’s

The licensing offer is also a smart business move for Microsoft. By licensing Activision’s game franchises, the company is not only creating more competition in the market but also generating additional revenue. The licensing fees that Microsoft will receive from other developers will be a new source of income for the company, which will help offset the cost of the Activision acquisition.

It is worth noting that Microsoft’s licensing offer is not the only solution to address the competition concerns raised by the EU and other regulators. Microsoft has also made other commitments to address these concerns, such as allowing rival platforms to access its Xbox Game Pass subscription service and ensuring that Activision’s games will continue to be available on platforms other than Microsoft’s.

Microsoft has stated that it is committed to ensuring that the acquisition of Activision will not harm competition in the gaming industry. The licensing offer is just one of the ways in which the company is seeking to address these concerns. Microsoft has also stated that it is open to further discussions with regulators to address any remaining concerns they may have.

The gaming industry is a highly competitive and rapidly changing market. While Microsoft’s licensing offer is a positive step towards creating a more level playing field, it remains to be seen how effective it will be in practice. Other factors such as innovation, marketing, and user experience will also play a crucial role in determining the success of any gaming company in this industry.

In conclusion, Microsoft’s licensing offer is a significant step towards addressing the competition concerns raised by the EU and other regulators. It shows that Microsoft is willing to work with other companies in the industry to create a more competitive and innovative gaming market. While the effectiveness of the licensing offer remains to be seen, it is a positive step in the right direction. The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and it will be interesting to see how Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision plays out in the coming years.

Web Stories