In OctoberThe CMA released an issue report covering key areas for a decision on whether the $69 billion transaction involving Activision Blizzard and Microsoft would result in a significant lessening of competition.
The governing body invited the public to have a say on these issues over a two-week period.
Of the 2,100 emails we analyzed, three-quarters were in favor of the merger and a quarter were against the merger.
A small number of respondents expressed no clear opinion either for or against the merger.
The CMA listed 14 opinions in favor of the merger and 11 against.
Some have argued in favor of the deal, saying it would allow Microsoft to better compete with Sony and Nintendo.
Others said the merger would not hurt competitors because Microsoft is committed to keeping Activision’s content non-Call of Duty exclusive.
It has also been argued that Microsoft’s plans to add Call of Duty to the Xbox Game Pass are pro-competitive and lower the cost of accessing the games for consumers.
On the other hand, some opposed the deal, saying they didn’t want Microsoft to dominate the gaming space like it already has with PC operating systems.
Others said the deal could pave the way for future acquisitions by leading publishers like Take Two, EA and Ubisoft.
Some said the deal would encourage Microsoft to make Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox, as it did with some Bethesda games after acquiring Zenimax Media, or lowering the quality of Call of Duty titles on PlayStation.
We don’t yet know what impact these comments will have on the CMA’s decision, but the fact remains that a large section of the public is keen to get approval.
And you, what is your opinion about it?
