Microsoft's massive deal with ZeniMax Media, which saw it acquiring companies such as Bethesda for $7.5 billion, is to be approved by March 5th at the latest by the EU.
As discovered by Reuters, Microsoft filed for the European Commission to approve the deal on January 29, with a forthcoming deadline of March 5. The request can be viewed on the European Commission website, in which the EU can decide whether to approve the filling or open up an investigation if it recognises any concerns.
Recent rumours have also circulated that Microsoft is looking to make another huge acquisition this year. Numerous trusted and unverified insiders have acknowledged the rumour, but nothing appears to be set in stone as of yet.
Are you excited that Microsoft could finally own companies such as Bethesda? Let us know in the comments below.
[source reuters.com, via ec.europa.eu]
Comments 11
I just can't wait until it's all approved so MS can start talking about plans for the company and getting more of their games catalogue in Game Pass.
@Royalblues I honestly have no clue with regards to the specifics (not my field of expertise), but seeing how these companies have offices all over Europe, probably receive tax breaks, have employees throughout the continent, and together make up a sizeable part of the European video game sales, I'm guessing there's plenty of factors that add up to this situation.
They probably wouldn't need permission if they didn't have said offices over here, but even then I can imagine the EU being strict with regards to Microsoft selling hardware and also owning X percent of the gaming industry (look at stuff like the EU vs Microsoft with regards to Internet Explorer, for example).
Acquisition Rejected.
Reason: Cannot ascertain the likelihood of a New Vegas sequel.
Sorry haha.
I had never really gotten into Bethesda games in the past (tried Fallout 3 and Oblivion on 360 and they were very fun but as a completionist with limited time available in my college years I was too intimidated to continue with them). However as I’ve become a fan of Microsoft I decided to check out some games since the announcement of the acquisition. I bought Wolfenstein The New Order, and I absolutely loved it! I also have the Old Blood and will play it soon. I did try Doom Eternal, but that one didn’t click. However I’m considering going back and trying Skyrim or Fallout 4 (would be my first time with either). Which one should I do?
I’m also super excited by the announcement for Indiana Jones (actually, oddly enough; the most exciting announcement by a Zenimax studio ever for me). So I’m excited by the future! Gamepass all day!
@xMightyMatt14x same thing happened to me with Skyrim, I had too little time to enjoy such a vast game. Now, regarding F4 or Skyrim, I'd say go for whichever world seems more appealing to you, worldbuilding and exploration is the meat and bones of these kind of games. F4 is more "modern" though in terms of gameplay and mechanics. Also if you like building, F4 is the one to go for.
@Royalblues Arkane Studios is in Europe
First thing to do, announce all games are xbox/pc exclusive
@xMightyMatt14x @GreenVereda I agree it depends whether you lean more towards fantasy or post-apocalypse as your preferred genre. Either way both are fantastic.
@ChopperCampbell @Greenvereda I actually lean more fantasy so I think I’ll try Skyrim. I see it’s on gamepass right now. Thanks guys!
@xMightyMatt14x man, if you have never played skyrim you are in for a treat.
@xMightyMatt14x I've sunk a ton of hours into Skyrim and would personally recommend it over F4. There will of course be plenty of people that would recommend the opposite. Regardless, I'm a little jealous right now. I clearly remember the feeling of entering that game world for the first time and would love to have that sense of wonder again. 😄
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