By Kyle Morris

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority said Wednesday that its investigation has provisionally found that Microsoft Corp.'s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc. could lead to higher prices, fewer choices, or less innovation for U.K. gamers.

The regulator said its in-depth independent investigation provisionally found the deal raises concerns about cloud and console gaming. Any merger could make Microsoft even stronger in cloud gaming, stifling competition to the detriment of U.K. gamers.

The deal could also weaken the rivalry between the Xbox and PlayStation gaming consoles, it said.

The regulator is inviting responses from interested parties to its provisional findings by March 1.

Write to Kyle Morris at kyle.morris@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 08, 2023 07:26 ET (12:26 GMT)

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