The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority said the proposed acquisition, which was unveiled early last year, would"alter the future of the fast-growing cloud gaming market" and stunt innovation and limit choice for gamers over the coming years.
The authority said the sale"will prevent the distribution of important, popular content – including games such as"Overwatch" and"World of Warcraft" – from coming under the control of Microsoft in relation to cloud gaming.
Cardell criticized the software giant, charging that the tactics"employed by Microsoft are no way to engage with the CMA." Microsoft did not directly address Cardell's complaints, but said in an email that"today is a good day to play as we welcome the legendary teams at Activision Blizzard to Team Xbox."