Microsoft announced plans to launch its Xbox PC games on Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service.
This move is part of Microsoft’s strategy to convince regulators in the European Union, the U.S., and the U.K. that its proposed $69B acquisition of Activision Blizzard would not hinder competition in the gaming sector.
Nvidia had previously opposed Microsoft’s $69B acquisition deal but has now changed its tune after confirming a 10-year agreement with the software giant that brings Xbox PC games to Nvidia GeForce Now.
- The 10-year gaming deal allows users to stream Xbox PC titles from GeForce Now on Mac OS, Chrome OS, smartphones, and other devices.
- Microsoft’s planned acquisition deal has faced scrutiny from regulators in the U.S., EU, and the U.K., who allege that it would unfairly influence the competition, resulting in higher prices and giving Microsoft too much power in the gaming industry.
- Microsoft’s President Brad Smith met with EU officials on Feb. 21 at a hearing to discuss the benefits of the acquisition and answer questions regarding any concerns regulators may have.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission blocked Microsoft’s takeover of Activision in Dec. 2022. The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority published provisional findings from its investigation into the deal, which contains a set of remedies Microsoft could take to get the deal approved.
