Heads of Xbox and PlayStation to meet with EU regulators today over Activision Blizzard deal

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan will both be part of a closed-door meeting today with EU regulators. The meeting could be a pivotal moment in Microsoft’s bid to acquire gaming giant Activision Blizzard King.

Ahead of the meeting Microsoft president Brad Smith announced today that “a binding 10-year contract to bring Xbox games to Nintendo gamers” had been inked.

We’ve now signed a binding 10-year contract to bring Xbox games to Nintendo’s gamers. This is just part of our commitment to bring Xbox games and Activision titles like Call of Duty to more players on more platforms. pic.twitter.com/JmO0hzw1BO

— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) February 21, 2023

The future of the $68 billion deal now seems very much in question. Back in December, the FTC officially filed a lawsuit to halt the merger, while more recently the EU issued an antitrust warning detailing its concerns over how the deal could affect competition.

Possible remedies that might be demanded from regulators could include breaking up ABK or forcing the company to sell of on or more of its divisions. Or, as has been suggested, Activision may be forced to sell off its Call of Duty franchise. The fate of the hugely popular FPS series has largely been the focus of concern from the likes of Sony and others.

Likely these potential remedies will be the topic of today’s meeting. Representatives from Google, Electronic Arts, Valve and Nvidia will also be present.