Microsoft is restructuring its proposed Activision Blizzard deal to transfer cloud gaming rights for current and new Activision Blizzard games to Ubisoft. The transfer of rights is designed to appease regulators in the UK that are concerned about the impact Microsoft’s proposed $68.7 billion deal will have on cloud gaming competition. The restructured deal has triggered a new regulatory investigation in the UK that could last until October 18th.
Having the streaming rights sitting with Ubisoft but the games themselves owned by Microsoft feels bizarre. I guess it’s like handing the keys to your car off to a friend when you go out drinking because no one trusts you?
I still find myself curious if Ubisoft even has a logical way to integrate these rights with their offerings.