Share this article
Improve this guide
European gamers greeted with post Activision acquisition pop up
3 min. read
Published onDecember 6, 2023
published onDecember 6, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
As part of a long and drawn-out regulatory battle between Microsoft, Activision Blizzard and the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK, Call of Duty gamers in the region will now be greeted with a new license and services agreement.
New Activision Software and License Agreement
Xbox Wire editor-in-chief Joe Skrebelsaddressed the upcoming pop up for EEA gamerswith an explanation and details on the new Software License and Service Agreement users will now need to opt-in for.
We met this commitment inOctober, and are now reflecting these changes in four live service games that have an in-game software licensing agreement. While many of you may have already been streaming Activision Blizzard titles, beginning today, the next time you boot upCall of Duty®: Modern Warfare®II,Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III,Call of Duty: Warzone™, andCrash Team Rumble™ you will be asked to accept an updated Software License and Service Agreement.
What are the details?
As of October 13, Microsoft is offering a free Streaming Provider License under the following terms:
“Microsoft licenses its rights under a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license to Eligible Streaming Services to stream Eligible Games for the sole benefit of Consumers in accordance with the Consumer License, as defined in and pursuant to the Commitments entered into by Microsoft and made legally binding by the European Commission in its decision under Article 8(2) of Regulation (EC) 139/2004 in case M. 10646 -Microsoft/Activision Blizzard.”
The long and short of the new pop up that will appear beforeCall of Duty®: Modern Warfare®II,Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III,Call of Duty: Warzone™, andCrash Team Rumble™ on players next boot up, is legal affirmation that Microsoft is honoring the CMA’s licensing wishes.
To get its Activision Blizzard deal over the finish line, Microsoft conceded to a licensing deal that would offer a free license to EEA gamers to stream those titles through any cloud game streaming service that supports the games listed above.
The broader view of Microsoft’s licensing deal was expanded to include Ubisoft as a third-party arbiter of the Call of Duty license which it will hold for the next 15 years while allowing other new or existing cloud streaming game platforms same-day access to any games Activision may eventually place onXbox’s cloud streaming service.
The Xbox team assures gamers in the EEA that the new pop up is a one-time occurrence to facilitate the agreed upon terms between Microsoft and the CMA regarding the recently approved $68.2 billion acquisition of the US-based publisher.
For more details on the pop or general knowledge of Microsoft’s new commitments to EEA gamers visit the following linkshereandhere.
More about the topics:microsoft,xbox
Kareem Anderson
Networking & Security Specialist
Kareem is a journalist from the bay area, now living in Florida. His passion for technology and content creation drives are unmatched, driving him to create well-researched articles and incredible YouTube videos.
He is always on the lookout for everything new about Microsoft, focusing on making easy-to-understand content and breaking down complex topics related to networking, Azure, cloud computing, and security.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Kareem Anderson
Networking & Security Specialist
He is a journalist from the bay area, now living in Florida. He breaks down complex topics related to networking, Azure, cloud computing, and security