Activision-Blizzard hires Queen Elizabeth II’s former lawyer to assist in appeal over Xbox merger

Activision-Blizzard has hired renowned UK lawyer Baron David Pannick, KC to help the company appeal against the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) decision to block its merger. The CMA decision came last month, primarily due to Microsoft's strength in cloud gaming. Activision-Blizzard's decision to hire Pannick comes after Microsoft hired another King's Counsel (KC) lawyer, Daniel Beard, for the same reason.

Pannick has a wealth of experience representing high-profile clients, including the UK government, Queen Elizabeth II, and Manchester City FC. Recently, he assisted former Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the controversial "partygate" probe that rocked UK politics. Activision-Blizzard's decision to hire such a prominent lawyer indicates the seriousness of the company's appeal.

Both companies have made clear their intentions to appeal the CMA's decision, with Microsoft criticizing the UK's business climate. The companies' appeals will likely focus on the CMA's definition of cloud gaming, with Xbox head Phil Spencer claiming that the Authority's idea of cloud gaming does not exist yet.

Although several territories have already approved the deal, including the European Union, major players like the US' Federal Trade Commission have yet to deliver their verdicts. Microsoft has been trying to secure multiple cloud gaming deals in recent weeks to strengthen its position, but this may have backfired in the eyes of the CMA. It remains to be seen how the appeals will play out, and whether Activision-Blizzard will be successful in its bid to merge with Microsoft.