US judge rules Microsoft deal to buy Activision can go forward

Don't really know how I feel about this one. I do think market consolidation by massive players through M&A activity really isn't great for gaming overall, but that's the world we live in.

On one hand MSFT has shown time and time again that it doesn't know how to effectively manage game studios and get them to pump out quality on a consistent basis, and some of Activision's titles could be negatively affected by this in the long run.

On the other hand, MSFT has by far the best cloud infrastructure and multiplayer experience in gaming hands down. They won't make COD an Xbox exclusive (for the time being) and Sony's blatant hypocrisy surrounding exclusives can now be put to rest.

I think some of the other major companies in this space are now on red alert for a takeover, EA in particular. Don't know how I'd feel about that either.

The question I have though is this: I thought the biggest hurdle to the acquisition was a UK regulator, and that the US authorities really didn't care if the deal got done or not - so why is a US based judge's ruling the final green light?

Disclaimer: I own Microsoft stock and leap options. I also have an Xbox and subscribe to Gamepass.

I thought they were blocked in the UK?