Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Acquisition Is Finally Moving Forward

With its announcement alone, the Microsoft purchase of Activision Blizzard sent shockwaves through the gaming industry. Before it has even been signed, it's changed the way that gaming operates. It set up the structure that looks to be the future of the gaming industry - buying out the biggest companies and developers in bold moves that toe the line of monopolisation.

It's nerve-wracking, and though it's probably going to be good for consumers, it runs the risk of handing the keys of the industry to the highest bidder. Despite its huge moves, it simply hasn't budged in terms of actual forward motion and legal sale - until now.

What's Going On With Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Deal?

The first steps in the processing of the Activision Blizzard deal have finally been pushed through. The acquisition was first agreed in January, and now, has been cleared by the Saudi Arabia General Authority for Competition. The organisation was initially concerned that the deal would step over the line of monopolisation.

The authority has shared a new report on Twitter, stating that it has "issued a No Objection Certificate with respect to the completion of the economic concentration transaction" between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard.

This was a major roadblock for the purchase, with this being a crucial moment in the process of the acquisition. More than this, it proves that Microsoft won't be entirely dominating the gaming industry by absorbing the company.

What's Next For The Activision Blizzard Purchase?

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Now that fears of monopolisation have been quashed, it looks as though the companies are clear to tear ahead and get all of the legal documents sorted so that the buyout can actually go through. It's been a long time coming, but it sounds like Microsoft and Activision Blizzard's deal is set to really speed up from here on out. Who knows, maybe it will even be taken care of by the end of the year?

It's a good job that the deal has been confirmed to duck monopolisation - after all, the last thing the gaming industry needs is an antagonist.  And before you ask, EA, we're not suggesting you take its place. The console wars are heating up once again, all eyes are on Sony and whether it'll keep acquiring studios to try and match the record-breaking Activision Blizzard deal. You move Jim Ryan, your move.