Xbox boss Phil Spencer says that Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard are still actively seeking ways to help push through their merger deal.
Speaking at a closed-doors 'What's Next For Gaming' Xbox event at E3 2023, Spencer acknowledged that the deal had been "a long journey," as well as a personal learning experience. That, of course, comes with the caveat that the deal has still not been completed - Spencer points to two countries, including the UK, that are still yet to approve the Xbox Activision deal, but says that a lot of work is being done to get the deal over the line, 18 months after it was first announced.
Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard are both appealing against the UK Competition and Markets Authority's decision to block the deal. Spencer says that Microsoft remains "very committed" to getting it across the line, and that while "the work is ongoing, [...] we're really confident."
"We're out there to find solutions with the regulators who have questions, and that's what we're actively doing." Microsoft president Brad Smith and Microsoft's chief counsel have spent a lot of time on the deal, and Xbox's corporate vice president Sarah Bond "is spending a lot of time on the road speaking to regulators to find solutions."
Spencer closed by referring to Xbox's work convincing the European Commission of the deal, saying that "I'm confident we'll find solutions in the other areas as well. It's taking time, it's taking focus, but I'm confident."
