Xbox-Activision Buyout: UK Government Now Asking for Public Opinion

The UK government has opened itself up to the public's opinion on Xbox's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, as it prepares to enter the final stages of its investigation into the proposed buyout.

As reported by GI.biz, the Competition and Market Authority (CMA) has now published its Issues Statement of the ongoing investigation, meaning any third party – including members of the public – are free to share their views. Those looking to submit their opinions can do so until October 28.

This stage of the process comes after the CMA has completed the first two phases of its investigation into Xbox's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. It began looking into the deal in July to find out if Microsoft owning the companies behind Call of Duty, Overwatch, and more could harm competition and consumers.

The process will then continue as the CMA considers the submitted evidence before publishing its provisional findings ahead of its final report, though this could still be months away.

Responding to concerns raised earlier in October, Microsoft essentially said that PlayStation is too big to fail even if it did acquire these games. "The suggestion that the incumbent market leader, with clear and enduring market power, could be foreclosed by the third largest provider as a result of losing access to one title is not credible," it said.

Microsoft's $68.7 billion deal has been scrutinised elsewhere as well, including by various U.S. senators, the city of New York, and the U.S. Justice Department, though Xbox boss Phil Spencer said he feels good about its progress.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.