Announced earlier this year, the Activision Blizzard-Microsoft merger is expected to be approved later this year. As part of this acquisition, federal trade commissions across the world are doing their diligence on the deal. One such entity from Brazil is openly transparent about the process.
ResertEra user Idas gave a rundown on what some of the major publishers in gaming think about the Activision Blizzard-Microsoft merger.
Related: Activision video games we want Microsoft to develop.
The questions asked by the Brazilian government cover wide range of topics. This includes both the video game market at large, as well as some certain specific questions specific to Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. Some of the answers are redacted, but Idas can still provide handy cliff notes of what major companies are saying.
- Sony says no developer can create a franchise that rivals Call of Duty. Sony believes that Call of Duty’s pull is so influential that it determines what consoles people purchase. Sony also confirms that Call of Duty is a very significant revenue stream for them.
- Warner Bros did not have any comments regarding the Activision Blizzard-Microsoft merger.
- Ubisoft says, “they don’t think ABK has unique games because there is no such a video game title that doesn’t have close competition,” per Idas.
- Bandai Namco seems to have the same feeling; Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and others all have their competitors.
- Riot Games considers Naughty Dog a potential competitor in matching what Microsoft can accomplish in AAA games.
With the exception of Sony, it seems that other major gaming publishers aren’t overly concerned with the Activision Blizzard-Microsoft merger. They all mention that no matter how big Call of Duty is, there are plenty of alternatives on the marketplace.
