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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Alex Hern UK technology editor

What UK ban on Microsoft takeover of Activision Blizzard means for gaming

Microsoft Activision Blizzard Activision CMA United Kingdom PlayStation ​​Rishi Sunak Sony
Activision Blizzard is the developer of global hit games including Call of Duty.
Activision Blizzard is the developer of global hit games including Call of Duty. Photograph: Sebastien Berda/AFP/Getty Images

Microsoft’s attempted acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the development conglomerate behind games including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush Saga, has been blocked by the UK’s competition watchdog in a surprise move. The $70bn (£65bn) purchase would have been the largest in gaming history but now, unless the two companies can convince a tribunal to overturn the ban on appeal, it is dead globally.

But what does this mean for tech, gaming and Rishi Sunak’s goal for the “Unicorn Kingdom”?

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