Microsoft President Reflects on the “Darkest Days” in the UK During Activision Acquisition Deal

The infamous Activision acquisition by Microsoft couldn’t have gotten more challenging. The 69 billion dollar takeover deal was one of the biggest talking points in the gaming industry in 2023. And why not? This big Microsoft deal had the potential to redefine the next few years of console rivalry. While the FTC legal proceedings looked like a big hurdle, it was the UK C.M.A. regulations that possibly became the ‘biggest’ challenge. Following the acquisition, the company’s President revisited the ‘darkest days’ of working on the controversial acquisition under UK CMA! 

In a recent interview with the BBC, Brad Smith, the President of Microsoft made some interesting statements revisiting the UK C.M.A. controversy. What did he say?

“but still created a pragmatic path forward”- Microsoft President looks back at the UK CMA objections

Brad Smith, in an unfiltered conversation, expressed how the restructuring of the Microsoft policies demanded by Britain’s antitrust agency was practical. “I think the CMA vindicated its position but still created a pragmatic path forward for innovation and investment. I think that is good for everyone,” Mr Smith told BBC. 

For those unaware, Britain’s authority was the last regulator to approve the deal before finalization. Prior to the resolution of the aforementioned issues, Microsoft President Brad Smith criticized the UK CMA and the UK legal system in general during the initial talks. The UK was “closed for business,” according to Smith, who also said that the clashes marked some of Microsoft’s “darkest days,” in the country. 

“The CMA’s decision rejects the pragmatic path to address concerns and discourages technology innovation and investment in the United Kingdom,” were his words earlier in April. 

Read More: Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision-Blizzard Looks Nearly Complete, With a Positive Update Coming Out of the EU

The authorities were reportedly concerned about the impact the acquisition could have on cloud gaming. Hence, Microsoft had to restructure the policies before getting the ‘approval stamp.’ The final approval came for Microsoft in October 2023. Later in the interview, Mr Smith expressed the company’s vision to explore AI cloud infrastructure in the UK. 

The biggest takeaway from the recent statements made by Brad Smith suggests that the Microsoft vs CMA chapter has finally ended! Further, the interview gives an interesting sneak peek to gamers on Xbox’s future across Europe. Certainly, great news for Xbox fans to kick-start a new gaming season! 

What do you think about Microsoft’s change in tone towards Britain’s antitrust agency? 

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