Xbox is bluffing when it comes to pulling UK games, a report says
According to a new report, Xbox pretended it would remove Activision games from the UK in order to fool the FTC.
Xbox ‘s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was not a smooth ride, as it faced constant opposition and obstruction from different sources.
Microsoft has won its battle against the FTC in order to purchase the company. However, the finalisation of the deal is still pending due to some loose ends.
Before the court battle, however, there was a claim that Xbox/Microsoft was seriously considering pulling Activision Blizzard’s games, including Call Of Duty from the UK after a ban by the UK Competition and Markets Authority. experts, however, warned that it was not a joke. It would allow Microsoft to close the acquisition without CMA approval.
The FTC took the case to court, alleging that the Xbox/Activision Blizzard merger would harm competition. They cited games such as Starfield, following complaints by PlayStation players who couldn’t play it.
A new report claims that Microsoft set up a trap to lure the FTC by using the threat not to sell any more Activision Blizzard titles in the UK.
Insiders have told Bloombergthat Microsoft had never intended to pull the games off the UK market or complete the deal before the CMA approved it. Microsoft may have stated that they are considering the move to get the FTC involved in a lawsuit before it is ready.
The FTC failed to demonstrate why this acquisition was harmful to the competition within the gaming industry.
Xbox also has made it clear that they have not plans of making big-name franchises such as Call Of Duty exclusively Xbox consoles and even has signed an agreement with PlayStation for future titles to be on both platforms at the moment.
It may take a while for fans to see how the Xbox Game Pass deal affects their Xbox experience. Activision’s titles are being patiently waited for by Xbox Game Pass users, particularly old Call Of Duty games, which some have seen their multi-player servers reactivated.
The future of the transaction is still uncertain, but it will be worth keeping an eye out for any new developments.
