Activision Blizzard's Bobby Kotick says merger saga not yet over

Activision's CEO also criticized the ruling, saying that "the CMA's decision holds, it would stifle investment, competition, and job creation throughout the UK gaming industry."

Activision's Chief Communications Officer Lulu Cheng Meservey also echoed Kotick's statement. She said that the decision is a disservice to the UK people and sends a message that the UK is closed for business.

"This report is also a disservice to UK citizens, who face increasingly dire economic prospects, and we will need to reassess our growth strategy in the UK," Meservey tweeted. "Global innovators large and small will take note that - despite all its rhetoric - the UK is closed for business."

Activision also believes that the merger will be beneficial not only for the parties but also for the UK tech workforce and players around the world. Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have stated that the deal will bring more games to over 150 million people around the world.

The UK CMA said that appeals will be dealt with within 9 months. This means that the deal will not likely be completed this year.

We do not know what the UK CMA's decision will mean for the EU Commission and US FTC's ruling on the deal. The EU Commission has set an extended deadline of May 22 to finalize its decision. The FTC has filed a lawsuit to block the deal.

As it stands, Microsoft is in real danger of paying a hefty fine as it may fail to meet the deadline to finalize the deal.

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