Following the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s rejection of Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard on the grounds of anti-competitive behavior, the software giant has secured another 10-year agreement with a cloud gaming provider. The provider in question is Nware, as announced by Microsoft Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith, on Twitter. This deal follows other recent agreements with cloud gaming platforms such as Boosteroid and EE, which were secured in the month prior to the CMA ruling.
Microsoft and Nware to stream Xbox and Activision Blizzard games
Microsoft has signed a 10-year deal with Nware, a European cloud gaming platform, for the streaming of Xbox and Activision Blizzard titles. The deal will enable the streaming of PC games built by Xbox on Nware’s platform, as well as Activision Blizzard titles after the acquisition closes. The announcement stated that “this new partnership combined with our other recent commitments will make more popular games available on more cloud game streaming services than they are today.” While cloud gaming is currently not a popular form of accessing and playing video games, it is an emerging technology that could become more widely used in the next five to ten years.
Microsoft has expressed its desire for its games platform to be widespread and accessible on various devices. The Xbox Cloud Streaming technology has gradually rolled out over the last few years to devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and Smart TVs. It is also accessible on Xbox consoles and PCs. However, it remains to be seen whether these newer arrangements will satisfy the UK CMA’s concerns over anti-competitive behavior.
In other news, Activision Blizzard’s CEO expects to see an accelerated appeal process for the proposed merger with Microsoft. The CMA’s decision to block the deal has caused concern within the gaming industry, with some experts questioning whether the ruling was too harsh. Nevertheless, Microsoft remains committed to expanding its cloud gaming services and partnering with other providers to make more games available on its platform.
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