Microsoft is trying its best to appease regulators in the UK, EU, and US over its $69bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard. We heard yesterday how the company is willing to make concessions to keep EU regulators happy. It now seems those concessions will also be enough for authorities in the US and deal is now likely to get a green light by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Both Sony and regulators have concerns about how Microsoft will use franchises from Activision Blizzard, such as Call of Duty. As Microsoft takes control of these brands, the company could decide to make them exclusive to Xbox Game Pass.
Microsoft has insisted there is more profit allowing Call of Duty to remain a cross-platform franchise. It now seems that regulators in the EU will force Microsoft to commit to that claim.
Earlier this week, Reuters reported Microsoft and Sony have held meetings and Microsoft has agreed to a 10-year licensing deal to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation. Presuming the acquisition closes in 2023, that would keep the franchise on the Sony PlayStation 5 and then the future PlayStation 6 until at least 2033.
FTC
That original report suggested the concession will likely be enough to ease concerns of the EU. Now, it seems that the deal will also smooth over the situation with the FTC in the United States.
Just last week reports were suggesting the FTC was not happy with Microsoft's merger with one of the biggest game developers. In fact, it was likely the watchdog would bring a lawsuit against Microsoft this month.
However, the concessions mean the FTC is going to a 180 and is now reportedly ready to greenlight the deal. If that happens, an announcement could be made as soon as January 2023, reports SeekingAlpha.
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