Following the UK CMA’s (Competition and Markets Authority) blocking of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, it looks like it goes deeper than what was initially known, as the CMA has seemingly blocked the Microsoft-Activision merger from happening for the next 10 years.

• Related Reading: Microsoft Cloud Remedy Entitled It to All Activision Cloud Gaming Revenue, Reveals CMA

On page 336 of the report (dug up by ResetEra user Idas), it mentions that Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard won’t be able to try again for the next 10 years. You can check out the quote and a screenshot from the report below.

Prohibition of the merger also means that MS and ABK won’t be able to try again for the next 10 years (page 336)

Prohibition would be effected by accepting undertakings under section 82 of the Act or making an order under section 84 of the Act, prohibiting the Merger and preventing the Parties from attempting to merge for a further period: our normal practice would be to prevent a future merger between the Parties for the next ten years, absent a change of circumstances.

This is definitely a huge blow to Microsoft, even if they are appealing the decision. Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has also said that this is “far from the final word,” which means we should hear more about this as well.

While the US FTC (Federal Trade Commission) hasn’t made a decision yet, early signs point to the governing entity to not be in favor of the acquisition as well.

We’ll have more on this story as it develops, but it looks like the merger won’t be happening anytime soon.

Thanks, NextGenPlayer!