Microsoft will have to wait: the European Union may initiate an additional review of the deal between the U.S. corporation and Activision-Blizzard

The bureaucratic interstate proceedings of Microsoft's purchase of game publisher Activision Blizzard are continuing.

This procedure is likely to drag on for a longer period of time than previously planned.

Here's What We Know

According to the publication Politico, the European Union may begin an additional phase of verification of the legality of the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. This decision will be due to concerns that the merger would disrupt competition in the gaming market.

The U.S. corporation has not provided evidence in time that the purchase of Activision Blizzard will not harm third-party companies.

Japanese giant Sony is the most alarmed, because it fears that the hits of Activision Blizzard, in particular Call of Duty, will stop coming out on consoles PlayStation. In turn, the head of Microsoft gaming division Phil Spencer (Phil Spencer) has once again stated that Sony's concerns are unfounded and Microsoft plans do not include the exclusivity of games Activision Blizzard.

Since these assurances are just words, the European Union wants to make sure that behind them is a real solution and not false promises. The antitrust commissions of the EU states will study the documents filed by Microsoft in the coming week and will announce their verdict additionally.