In the ongoing dealings between Microsoft, Sony and Activision Blizzard, Saudi Arabia has become the first country to sanction the merger of Xbox and Activision Blizzard.
There are multiple countries around the world investigating this possible merger under the notion it will lessen the ability for companies to compete.
This is one of the major arguments being made by Sony, that the purchasing of the company that makes Call of Duty would lessen Sony’s ability to compete on the marketplace
However, the Saudi Arabia government has stated that they have no objection to the deal, which will facilitate the acquisition of 100% of the common stock of Activision Blizzard, assimilating the company into Microsoft Corporation.
“General Authority for Competition issued a No Objection certificate with respect to the completion of the economic concentration transaction between Microsoft Corporation and Activision Blizzard, Inc.,” the nation stated.
Saudi Arabia has recently become a larger player on the gaming sphere, as the country has been investing heavily into game development. It’s worth mentioning Saudi Arabia is also one of the largest shareholders of Activision Blizzard, and they stand to profit off the acquisition.
Blizzard is being bogged down with new numerous lawsuits alleging claims of harassment against employees by members of authority alongside the ever-growing list of bad press towards Call of Duty Warzone with the increasingly prominent accusations of plagiarism
As more information continues to come out about this deal between Activision Blizzard and Microsoft, we will continue to keep you informed as to what is going on. As of right now, it appears that Saudi Arabia is the first country to OK this purchase, but it probably will not be the last.