EU Approves Microsoft-Activision Deal, But U.S. and U.K. Objections Still Loom

The European Commission approved Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard but with strict conditions around licensing and cloud gaming access that Microsoft must adhere to.
The U.K.’s top competition regulator and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission have rejected the deal over concerns it will reduce competition in cloud gaming.
To gain EU approval, Microsoft agreed to license Activision games to competitors and bring titles to rival cloud gaming platforms for 10 years.
The EU said Microsoft has no incentive to withhold Activision games from Sony and others, but the U.K. and U.S. disagree.
The approval in Europe boosts Microsoft's case but major obstacles remain as it appeals rejections in the U.S. and U.K.