Microsoft announced the sale Ubisoft cloud gaming rights for current and future Activision Blizzard games. After the change in the takeover deal, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a new investigation. The representative of the European Commission said that this may require sending a new notification and possibly starting one. second investigation.
Microsoft risks another investigation in Europe
Microsoft has received European Commission approval as it has committed to fulfilling two conditions for at least 10 years. The Redmond company has promised a free license allowing European users to run all Activision Blizzard games (current and future) on any cloud gaming service. A similar free license will be offered to cloud providers.
Microsoft President (Brad Smith) added that these conditions will come applied all over the world:
The European Commission has required Microsoft to automatically license popular Activision Blizzard games to competing cloud gaming services. This will apply worldwide and allow millions of consumers around the world to play these games on any device they choose.
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) May 15, 2023
Microsoft said that the new version of the agreement with Activision Blizzard does not affect the obligations imposed by the European Commission. However, Ubisoft will have license check outside of Europe. This means that the license will be free in Europe, but not in the US, for example.
In practice, Microsoft will not comply with the terms agreed with the European Commission, as they are no longer valid worldwide. A spokeswoman, Arianna Podesta, said developments in the UK are being evaluated to see if a re-notice is needed for the revamped deal. The risk for Microsoft is thatstart a new investigation which will likely lead to the failure of the acquisition.