"UK Watchdog Blocks Microsoft's $69 Billion Activision Blizzard Acquisition"

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has blocked Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of video game publisher Activision Blizzard, citing concerns over competition in the nascent cloud gaming market. Microsoft plans to appeal the decision, but will need to convince other regulators, including the EU and the US Federal Trade Commission, not to block the deal. The acquisition would add lucrative franchises like Call of Duty and Candy Crush Saga to Microsoft's content offerings, but competitors have raised concerns over the potential for Microsoft to gain a tight grip on the $200 billion games market.