The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is wanting additional into the in-progress merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. Earlier within the month, the CMA expressed considerations that the merger would hurt Microsoft’s competitors by locking off franchises like Call of Duty or Overwatch to Xbox. 

“On the data at present obtainable to it, it’s or stands out as the case that this Merger could also be anticipated to lead to a considerable lessening of competitors inside a market or markets within the United Kingdom,” wrote the CMA.

Microsoft was given the choice to submit proposals addressing considerations by the CMA, however opted to not. As a consequence, the CMA is now bringing in unbiased investigators to additional analyze the deal. 

According to a Financial Times report, the probe is claimed to be in depth and contain a number of regulators because the Xbox maker prepares to file its case in Brussels within the coming weeks. One individual in Brussels advised the Financial Times that the deal required “an intensive investigation.” 

On the identical day that the CMA made its worries clear, Xbox head Phil Spencer wrote a letter arguing in favor of the merger, stating that Microsoft would take a “principled path” by having video games launch on the identical day on Xbox and different consoles, and with function parity. 

Thus far, Microsoft has confirmed that three of Activision Blizzard’s upcoming games-Overwatch 2, Diablo IV, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II– will likely be multiplatform. 

“We will proceed to allow folks to play with one another throughout platforms and throughout units,” wrote Spencer. “We consider {that a} thorough overview will present that the mixture of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard will profit the trade and gamers.”

Even with Spencer’s repeated situations about being truthful, it hasn’t stopped Sony from voicing dissent concerning the incoming acquisition. The PlayStation maker has made it clear that Call of Duty is a key supply for its third-party income, and CEO Jim Ryan lately stated that Microsoft’s supply to maintain the shooter franchise multiplatform was inadequate.