Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has said his discussions with various regulators around the world regarding his company’s acquisition have been “fair and honest.” (opens in new tab) From Activision Blizzard King, a video game publisher with titles as diverse as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush.
“I think the discussion was very fair and honest. I take it for granted and I appreciate you taking the time,” he said.
Spencer made the comment during an interview at wall street journal tech live (opens in new tab) Events reported by VGC. (opens in new tab)
Spencer has been flying around the world, apparently negotiating with regulators and approvals to secure deals.Brazil has already approved (opens in new tab)but the British watchdog (opens in new tab) and US FTC (opens in new tab) The two companies are considering the deal, and another decision deadline set by the European CMA is fast approaching.
Despite all the scrutiny, Spencer said he believes the acquisition will eventually be approved by regulators. “I am confident in that. I was just in London last week and have continued discussions with all the regulatory committees and I am confident the deal will be approved,” he said.
Discourse within the video game industry has focused extensively on Call of Duty, and recent headlines here at PC Gamers have focused on concepts like “What if Call of Duty sucked?” (opens in new tab) And how the existing deal between Sony and Activision prevented Call of Duty from coming to Xbox’s Game Pass. (opens in new tab)
However, Spencer has been clear for some time (opens in new tab) Most of Activision Blizzard King’s value to Microsoft is in its overwhelming mobile revenue. What we usually call the corporate behemoth Activision Blizzard, that king part of the company is part of the company’s mobile gaming segment, which makes more money than both PC and console games combined. It focuses on King, the department. (opens in new tab)
Spencer reiterated several other points in the interview, ensuring that Call of Duty will continue to release on PlayStation “as long as it makes sense”, and that it will release on platforms like Nintendo’s Switch in the future. I hope that