Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard approved in Brazil Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard approved in Brazil Olá. News by Victoria Kennedy News reporter Published on 6 Oct 2022 105 comments Brazil has approved Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In new documentation issued by the country's Administrative Council for Economic Defence (CADE) on Wednesday, the regulator stated it has approved of this deal "without restrictions". Watch on YouTube Eurogamer Newscast: Was Google Stadia always destined for failure? Along with this approval, CADE did touch on the more high-profile elements of this proposed acquisition, including Activision's Call of Duty franchise - a franchise which has recently felt like it's been caught up in a custody battle between Xbox and PlayStation. On this, the regulator stated that, given the series' "huge popularity", it was fair to assume that if "Activision Blizzard games were no longer available on Sony consoles" its fans may ultimately choose to "migrate to Xbox, or even a PC" to keep having access to these games. However, it went on to note that if games such as Call of Duty became Microsoft exclusives in the future, those loyal to other brands such as PlayStation could simply "abandon the series" and redirect their enthusiasm to "other games available on their favourite console" (via ResetEra). CADE concluded: "Despite Microsoft having control of a relevant portion of the console and digital game distribution markets (downstream), the company would not have incentives to make it difficult for publishers competing with Activision Blizzard to access its platforms, as this would necessarily imply a reduction, in quantity and variety, of the catalogue of games available in the Xbox ecosystem, making the company's products and services less attractive to consumers. "With regard to the possibility of closing downstream markets, the analysis pointed out that, despite their relevance and popularity, Activision Blizzard games - and in particular the Call of Duty series - would not be essential assets to the performance of Microsoft's current and potential competitors in the console and digital game distribution markets (considering, in the latter, both digital stores and multiple game subscription services for PC and consoles). "Thus, even if the Activision Blizzard game catalogue were to become exclusive to the Microsoft ecosystem after the Transaction, SG/Cade considers that such exclusivity would not result in a substantial reduction in the levels of competition in the downstream markets, even if it could translate into a competitive advantage for Microsoft." Meanwhile, The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently laid out a timeline for its second phase of investigations into Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, following concerns this deal could be deemed anti-competitive. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 6 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 6 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 6 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store