Microsoft’s acquisition continues to fight back against the concerns of the US’s Federal Trade Commission and its UK counterpart. The FTC’s recent lawsuit was the biggest blow against the lawsuit, claiming that the acquisition threatens to give the company advantages within the video game market. Regardless, Chile has become the next in the growing list of countries that dismiss a large amount of the concern against of the acquisition.
Following an extensive investigation and survey amongst Chilean gamers, the country’s regulator, The Fiscalia Nacional Economica (FNE), concluded that the acquisition wouldn’t effect competition within Chile’s video game market. The FNE believed that even if Activision Blizzard content were to go Xbox exclusive, Chilean gamers would still be able to enjoy similar content from popular competitors like EA, Take Two,Ubisoft, and Epic Games. Also, they believed that since Activision Blizzard games weren’t relevant to Latin American audiences, Chilean players would be less likely to switch over to another console to play those games if they were to go Xbox exclusive.
Chile joins Serbia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia on the list of countries in favor of the Activision acquisition. While its a great step in favor for the $69 billion deal, its still a while away from the 16 countries needed to approve of the controversial deal. Plus, despite the recent push back against the FTC’s lawsuit, it remains the largest obstacle for Microsoft to overcome.