Good news for Microsoft regarding its plans to buy Activision Blizzardand with the added value that they come from the cradle of its main rival in the process, Sony. And besides, it comes at a particularly sensitive time in relation to Sony’s situation in its home country… come on, if this buyout were a soap opera, we’d undoubtedly be in for one of the most interesting episodes. that.

The best at the moment This will be a recap of what happened between yesterday and today, because it can significantly change the operation, which began in early 2022 and which, mainly due to pressure from Sony, is taking much longer than originally planned. Just yesterday we told you that eleven members of the United States Congress openly accused Sony of unfair competition in Japan with PlayStation.

The allegation, as we told you in this article, is very serious and not only calls Sony’s way of doing things into question, but also points to the Japanese government for its inaction against the unfair practices of Japanese tech companies. And not in the least, if you haven’t read this report, I recommend that you do so now, you will be able to verify that the numbers used by American politicians are scandalous, and if proven beyond all reasonable doubt, they leave Sony and the Japanese administration in a very bad spot.

Well, just 24 hours after the allegation was made public, Japan’s competition regulator has approved Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard. The Japan Fair Trade Commission released a press release stating the following:

«The Japan Fair Trade Commission (“JFTC”) reviewed and concluded the transaction the transaction is not likely to result in a substantial restriction of competition in any particular area of ​​business. Accordingly, the JFTC has notified the parties that the JFTC will not issue a cease and desist order, which will result in the completion of its review.»

This way, The Japanese regulator is closing its investigation in this regard (in this case the approval is final, not provisional as with the CMA) and gives the green light in terms of its jurisdiction for Microsoft to buy Activision Blizzard. And as I say, it’s particularly interesting that this decision comes at a time when American politicians have pointed out the particularly unfavorable conditions that Microsoft has to face in Japan when it comes to the gaming market.

Be that as it may, a new green light will be lit on a road that seems more and more passable. Let us recall that just a few days ago the British CMA gave approval for the purchase. It is subject to progress in the investigation but represents an important step as it was one of the regulators that initially seemed reluctant to allow the purchase. On the other hand, Europe aims to be pro-buy, and China gave its consent on March 15 and although they have not made a definitive statement, the main Latin American regulators are also showing the direction Japan has taken.