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The UK\u2019s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given preliminary approval<\/a> for Microsoft to proceed with its $69 billion Activision Blizzard deal. The CMA had originally blocked the acquisition<\/a>\u00a0over cloud gaming concerns, but Microsoft recently\u00a0restructured the deal<\/a>\u00a0to transfer cloud gaming rights for current and new Activision Blizzard games to Ubisoft.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThe CMA considers that the restructured deal makes important changes that substantially address the concerns it set out in relation to the original transaction earlier this year,\u201d the CMA said in a press release, and \u201copens the door to the deal being cleared.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This is just a preliminary decision, ahead of final approval. The CMA says it has now opened a consultation on Microsoft\u2019s proposed remedies, until October 6th. A final decision is expected before the extended October 18th deadline<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n A final decision is expected before the extended October 18th deadline<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The consultation period is meant to address a few remaining concerns that the CMA has with the deal. \u201cWhile the CMA has identified limited residual concerns with the new deal, Microsoft has put forward remedies which the CMA has provisionally concluded should address these issues.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Microsoft is understandably optimistic at the news. \u201cWe presented solutions that we believe fully address the CMA\u2019s remaining concerns related to cloud game streaming, and we will continue to work toward earning approval to close prior to the October 18 deadline,\u201d Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith said in a statement published by Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n