Microsoft Claims Activision Blizzard Doesn't Release "Unique" Games

Microsoft has recently tried to justify its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard by telling regulators that the deal with the Call of Duty publisher will not negatively impact the market and other platforms because it does not release "unique" or "must have" games.

In a document presented to the New Zealand Business Acquisitions and Authorisations Commerce Commission, Microsoft claimed that no Activision Blizzard game has "unique" characteristics, so its rivals would do well without Activision Blizzard titles and would be able to compete in the gaming market.

"With respect to Activision Blizzard video games, there is nothing unique about the video games developed and published by Activision Blizzard that is a "must have" for rival PC and console video game distributors that could give rise to a foreclosure concern," the company said.

Microsoft went on to note that it is committed to maintaining access to Activision Blizzard games on PlayStation as well as plans to take similar steps to support Nintendo’s platform.

Microsoft also listed significant rivals that will remain in the market after its merger with Activision Blizzard. Among the major publishers that Microsoft sees as its competitors are Sony, Nintendo, Tencent, Valve, EA, Take-Two, and Epic Games. 

In a conversation with the Brazilian regulator, Sony representatives, however, commented on the deal in a very different way saying that other publishers are not able to create a competitor to Call of Duty, even with a similar budget.