Gotta Keep ‘Em Separated

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has made the decision to block Microsoft’s proposed $69B merger with Activision-Blizzard. The CMA specified concerns for cloud-gaming market competition, as Microsoft already accounts for ~60-70% of global cloud-gaming services. Microsoft had proposed remedies to these concerns before the decision was made, but the CMA stated these were “insufficient”. The CMA also considered the benefits of a merger as well, namely a stronger Game Pass library, but deemed that it wouldn’t outweigh the harm to competition.

Refusing to be disheartened, Microsoft has publicly shared their intentions to appeal the decision. Just as well, Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick stated he doesn’t see the decision as the “final word” on the merger. However, if the rejection is successfully appealed, the FTC’s investigation will be their next concern. Will Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard one day succeed in joining forces, and will it be good for the gaming community?

Guardians of the Snap-verse

Marvel Snap is back with another season of content, this time featuring the Guardians of the Galaxy‘s heroes and villains. Making its way into this month’s season pass is Gamora’s redeemed and bitter half-sister, Nebula. Arriving in the series-5 pool is Howard the Duck, the duck-tective from Duckworld, Iron-Lad, a younger Kang-variant from the future, and The Living Tribunal, the second most-powerful being in the Marvelverse. Perhaps the most anticipated card to enter the meta is the villain of the latest Guardians film, The High Evolutionary. His ability unlocks new secret abilities for cards that had none before, opening a new world of possibilities for Snap-players. This pass also brings new cosmetics, such as variants for Nebula, Star-Lord, and Gamora, as well as 2 new card-backs. Marvel Snap‘s May season pass Guardians’ Greatest Hits is out now.

Another One Bites the Dust

Mobile battle-royale giant Apex Legends Mobile has finally sunset after less than a year since its launch. Respawn Entertainment announced the title’s impending doom this past January, despite being well-received, citing poor returns and insufficient content production. It’s possible heavy competition from Fortnite and PUBG MOBILE led to Apex Legends Mobile‘s lack of success. As of Monday, the title was pulled from mobile app stores and is no longer available to download. In-app purchases have also been disabled and players will lose any purchases when the servers shut down in 90 days. Apple and Google’s former best mobile game of the year lives on in its PC/console editions.

I Got The Six

Ubisoft is bringing us a second and final stage of closed-beta testing for Rainbow 6 Mobile. New features coming this round include Team Deathmatch mode, a customization system, a battle pass with no XP-limit, and more. Ubisoft has also confirmed that those who participated in the previous beta will have their spots secured for this one. Those that pre-registered on the Google Play Store will be eligible for an invite as well. The closed-beta will be playable in Canada, USA, and Japan for iOS, and also in a whopping 15 countries for Android. A date for the game’s release hasn’t been officially announced, but the developers confirmed an open-beta would arrive first. Rainbow 6 Mobile’s second closed-beta starts June 6, 2023 and will, fittingly, last for six weeks.

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