Microsoft-Activision Deal Sees Light at the End of the Tunnel

In an intriguing development, Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard inches closer to fruition, seemingly unimpeded by the European Union (EU) after gaining approval from the United Kingdom. Reporting from Bloomberg suggests that Microsoft will not require a fresh approval process from the EU to finalize the deal. This advancement follows Microsoft's submission of a tempered deal last August, significantly smoothing the pathway towards completion.

At the heart of the revised proposal is a strategic restructuring plan. In this arrangement, Ubisoft, another titan in the gaming industry, would be granted cloud gaming rights for all existing and forthcoming Activision Blizzard games. This move represents a significant shift in the distribution of power within the gaming industry, potentially reshaping the landscape for years to come.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK has responded positively to Microsoft's innovatively revised proposal. Sarah Cardell, CMA Chief Executive Officer, described the new proposal as "structurally different" from Microsoft's original pitch. The industry's feedback on this revised proposal has been actively sought by the CMA. If there are no unexpected complications, it is anticipated that the CMA will officially approve the deal as early as next week.

While the EU had previously stated it was "closely following the developments in the UK and assessing their potential impact", it seems that any potential hurdles have been cleared. When approached by Bloomberg for an update, the EU did not raise any concerns that could potentially derail the deal. This suggests that the acquisition is poised for completion, which will undeniably be a milestone moment for Microsoft and the gaming industry at large.

In conclusion, the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal is hurtling towards its closure, with the deadline set for October 18. However, given the recent progress and lack of apparent hurdles, it is expected that the deal might close well before the set date. The potential impact and implications of this merger are significant, redefining the dynamics of the gaming industry and setting new precedents for future deals and acquisitions. As we stand on the precipice of this monumental deal, the world watches with anticipation to see the ripple effects it will create in the gaming world.