The Commerce Commission has received a clearance
application in relation to the proposed acquisition by
Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft), via a wholly owned
subsidiary, of Activision Blizzard Inc (Activision). Both
parties are developers, publishers and distributors of video
games for PC, gaming consoles and mobile
platforms.
Microsoft is a global technology company
headquartered in the USA. In relation to video games, in New
Zealand, Microsoft:
- distributes its own video
game titles through its online distribution platforms the
Microsoft Store, the Xbox Store and
Bethesda.net; - distributes video games developed by
other software companies (such as Activision Blizzard)
through its online platforms; - offers multi-title
gaming subscriptions through Xbox Live and Xbox Game Pass;
and - produces and sells the Xbox range of video-game
consoles, as well as personal computer (PC) hardware and
peripherals such as mice and
keyboards.
Microsoft’s games include the
Minecraft, Forza, Elder Scrolls and Halo
titles.
Activision Blizzard is also headquartered in
the US, and develops, publishes and distributes video games.
It produces games via its Activision, Blizzard and King
business units.
Activision Blizzard’s games include
the Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch and Candy
Crush titles.
A public version of the clearance
application will be available shortly on the…
