Microsoft’s legal fight to purchase Activision Blizzard is still ongoing. However, the purchase may be completed before long thanks to Microsoft winning the case before the FTC, which means the Games Pass catalog could be expanded soon.
Recall that the company has previously clarified that Microsoft and Phil Spencer intend to expand the Xbox brand. The company has plans to expand the brand across consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. But that’s not this, and they also aim to broaden the appeal of Game Pass.
Although the original deadline for the deal was July 18, from the outset, it seemed somewhat difficult to meet. Recall the U.K.’s refusal or New Zealand’s request to wait.
Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
As we have said, this is long and costly litigation costing Microsoft more than expected, especially in terms of time. However, the fact that Microsoft has won its legal battle against the FTC in the United States is a significant step towards the Activision Blizzard acquisition becoming a reality sooner rather than later.
One of the major hurdles, such as the U.K., may be eroding. Just minutes after the FTC’s lawsuit verdict was made public, Brad Smith stated:
“Our focus is now on the U.K. following today’s court decision in the U.S. We are thinking about how the transaction could be modified to address the CMA’s concerns in a way that the CMA accepts. Even if we ultimately disagree with them. Microsoft and Activision have agreed with the CMA to stay the case in the U.K., and the parties have made a joint application to the Competition Appeal Tribunal. This is so that work on these proposals can be prioritized.”
Activision Blizzard’s possible library of games
Although there are no specific titles, we know the sagas that could be added to Game Pass, thanks to Spencer. Recall that Spencer hinted at the sagas that could come to Game Pass a few days after revealing the acquisition in January last year.
Not only would it significantly increase the number of players for games like Overwatch, Diablo, or Call of Duty. But it would also act as a “push” for games increasingly moving towards a pay-per-play model, especially in the latter case.
Although there is concern among the community about titles such as CoD and their possible exclusivity. It seems this would not be the case for now. PlayStation and Switch owners would still be able to play the games.