As Microsoft Reportedly Makes Concessions, Serbia Approves The Activision Purchase "Unconditionally"

The Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been facing some tough scrutiny lately. With the EU moving forward with in-depth investigations and even reaching out to the public at large for feedback, reported rumors of the FTC filing a claim challenging the purchase in the US, and constant bickering back and forth between Sony and Microsoft, it's been a bit of an uphill battle recently for Microsoft.

Today, according to Reuters, there's a little bit of good news for fans of the purchase... and maybe a little bit of bad news for those that were rooting for Microsoft to pull titles into its "exclusive" umbrella.

First the good news: Serbia has joined with Brazil and Saudi Arabia to become the 3rd country to approve the deal "unconditionally."

Then the, maybe, bad news: Reuters is also reporting that Microsoft is preparing to make some concessions to Sony (this coming after a reported 10-year offer on the much argued future of Call of Duty) to help grease the wheels of approval, particularly in the US and UK.

This deal would attempt to make the January deadline for the EU's investigation filing a bit smoother to complete and gain approval. While details of the concession to Sony haven't been made public yet, it is reported by a "person with direct knowledge" that the previously offered 10-year license would be back on the table.

The UK's final decision needs to be made by April 2023.