U.K. regulator seeks public input on Microsoft-Activision deal after new arguments
Belinda Jiao/Getty Images News
The U.K.'s antitrust regulator is seeking public comments on whether it should clear Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) $69B acquisition of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI) ahead of its final order expected by August 29, raising the likelihood of the biggest ever gaming deal crossing the last regulatory hurdle. 
This follows Microsoft's (MSFT) submission of "material change of circumstance", because of which it believes the Competition and Markets Authority should revisit its previous order blocking the deal.
Microsoft (MSFT) cited binding commitments made to the European Commission regarding cloud gaming licensing deals and its pact to keep Call of Duty on Sony's (SONY) PlayStation as reasons to revisit CMA's initial order.
Microsoft (MSFT) said its deals with cloud gaming providers including Nvidia (NVDA) provide immediate access to Activision (ATVI) games for at least ten years, thereby improving competition. 
Any breach of its commitments to the EC would put Microsoft (MSFT) at risk of fines of up to 10% of its worldwide turnover, or ~$19.8B based on its 2022 turnover.
The CMA said while submissions regarding material change of circumstance are "very rare", it will consider Microsoft's (MSFT) submission. Public comments should reach the CMA by August 4.
The deadline for completing the merger was earlier extended to October 18.
More on Microsoft-Activision deal

FTC official withdraws internal suit over Microsoft, Activision merger
Adding Activision 'rounds out' Microsoft's gaming strategy: Evercore
Why I Believe Microsoft Might Close Activision Deal Despite U.K. Objections
Buffett: Not Playing Games With Microsoft-Activision Merger