Microsoft and Activision Blizzard say the inclusion in Xbox Game Pass would significantly hurt game sales, according to the CMA.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently released the findings of its investigation into the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
The results concluded that possession may be detrimental to gaming. This refers to the distribution of games in Xbox Game Pass.
According to the CMA, “Microsoft also noted that its internal analysis indicates a decline in sales of core games of approx. [unkenntlich gemacht] % twelve months after inclusion in Game Pass”.
The report also said that Activision was initially reluctant to include games in Game Pass, according to Microsoft. There are concerns about B2P (buy-to-play) sales, as it will severely impact sales, especially for new releases.
The inclusion in Xbox Game Pass also boosts game sales, as has already been known from many developers in the past. Microsoft itself has said so far that the Game Pass model is sustainable. So the current statement comes as a surprise.