Microsoft/Activision: CMA prohibition decision on UK cloud gaming SLC due to vertical input foreclosure (archived); CAT appeal

Published by a LexisNexis Competition expert

Practice notes

CASE HUB Appeal lodged before the CAT in Case No.1590/4/12/23 ARCHIVED —this archived case hub reflects the position of the decision of 26 April 2023; it is no longer maintained. See further, timeline.

Case facts

Outline of the UK merger inquiry into Microsoft Corporation’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc., highlighting horizontal overlap in the supply of gaming consoles.

Latest developments

On 26 April 2023, the CMA published its final report, concluding the deal could be expected to lead to an SLC in the supply of cloud gaming services in the UK, owing to vertical effects arising from input foreclosure. The CMA determined that prohibition was a proportionate measure to safeguard competition and consumers in the UK cloud gaming market, and therefore blocked the transaction.

Parties

Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft): A US-based company with its headquarters in Redmond, Washington, producing computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and associated services.
Activision Blizzard, Inc. (ABK): A US-based company headquartered in Santa Monica, California, that publishes, develops, and distributes interactive entertainment software and peripheral products. ABK’s products span diverse game categories...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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