Competition and Markets AuthorityReaching an AgreementAfter further discussions on mutually acceptable acquisition terms, Microsoft announced that it would resell the distribution rights of Activision Blizzard's cloud streaming platform to Ubisoft, thereby eliminating the main concerns of the UK Competition and Markets Authority.
According to Microsoft President Brad SmithPost contentIt states that if Microsoft successfully merges with Activision Blizzard, it will resell the distribution rights of all current and future Activision Blizzard PC and home console game content on the cloud streaming platform to Ubisoft over the next 15 years.
This means that Activision Blizzard games on cloud streaming platforms will no longer be playable only through Microsoft services, and Microsoft will not even be able to determine when Ubisoft plans to release Activision Blizzard games on cloud streaming platforms in the future. Furthermore, Microsoft emphasized that this agreement is permanent, meaning that games released through Ubisoft's cloud streaming platforms will not be removed at Microsoft's request. Ubisoft can even choose to release games on non-Windows cloud streaming platforms such as Apple's, depending on its business expansion needs.
Under this agreement, Ubisoft will be able to pay Microsoft for the right to publish Activision Blizzard games on the cloud streaming platform through a one-time payment and market-based pricing mechanism. Ubisoft explained that if this transaction is successfully completed, users will be able toUbisoft+ ServicesPlay a variety of Ubisoft-published games and Activision Blizzard-produced game content. You can also use Ubisoft+ services through PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or Amazon's cloud streaming game service Amazon Luna.
The Ubisoft+ lineup is expanding!
We're excited to announce a new agreement that will bring Activision Blizzard games to Ubisoft+ via streaming upon the completion of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard!
We'll also be licensing the games to a range of cloud streaming… pic.twitter.com/sZTnEFJedC
- Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) August 22, 2023
It is not yet confirmed whether Microsoft's move will convince the UK Competition and Markets Authority. Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have agreed to postpone the transaction deadline to October 10 this year, so there is still plenty of time for Microsoft to continue making adjustments.
