EU regulators clear Microsoft’s $68.7B acquisition of Activision Blizzard

Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been approved by European Union (EU) regulators, despite being blocked by UK regulators just weeks ago.

The EU decision follows Microsoft's offer of 10-year licensing deals to competitors as a remedy to concerns over competition in the distribution of PC and console games through cloud gaming services. The licensing deals include an automatic free license for consumers in EU countries, allowing them to stream all current and future Activision Blizzard games on any cloud game streaming service of their choice.

This is expected to enhance competition and opportunities for growth. While the EU approval is a boost for Microsoft, the software giant still faces regulatory battles in the US and UK, with a hearing scheduled for August 2nd in the US.