**Google Raises Concerns about Microsoft’s Proposed Acquisition of Activision Blizzard**
**Introduction:**
In a recent filing with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Google expressed concerns about Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The deal, valued at $68.7 billion, would give Microsoft control over popular video game franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush Saga. Google’s primary concern is that the acquisition could harm competition in the gaming industry and potentially lead to higher prices and reduced choice for consumers.
**Google’s Specific Concerns:**
Google outlines several specific concerns in its filing with the CMA:
* **Cloud Gaming:** Google believes that the acquisition would give Microsoft an unfair advantage in the cloud gaming market, where Microsoft already has a strong presence with its Xbox Game Pass service. Google claims that Microsoft could use its control over Activision Blizzard’s popular games to attract more subscribers and make it difficult for competitors to enter the market.
* **Mobile Gaming:** Google also expresses concerns about Microsoft’s position in the mobile gaming market, where Activision Blizzard is a major player with popular mobile games like Candy Crush Saga. Google fears that Microsoft could use its control over these games to promote its own operating system, Android, at the expense of competing mobile platforms like iOS.
* **Exclusivity:** Google is concerned that Microsoft could make Activision Blizzard games exclusive to its own platforms, such as the Xbox console and Game Pass service. This would limit the choice available to consumers and could lead to higher prices for games on other platforms.
**Conclusion:**
Google’s concerns highlight the potential anti-competitive effects of Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The CMA is currently investigating the deal and will likely consider Google’s input when making a decision on whether to approve it. If the deal is approved, it could have a significant impact on the gaming industry and consumers. Time will tell whether Google’s concerns are well-founded and whether Microsoft can address them satisfactorily during the regulatory review process.
**Sources:**
* [Google files CMA response on Microsoft/Activision deal](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2023-02-10-google-files-cma-response-on-microsoft-activision-deal)
* [Microsoft and Activision Blizzard: Google raises concerns over deal](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64603558).
