EU investigates Microsoft’s deal to buy Activision Blizzard

An employee tests a version of Call Of Duty , at Activision Blizzard (Allison Dinner/AP)

The European Union (EU) has launched an investigation into Microsoft’s planned takeover of video game giant Activision Blizzard, fearing the 69 billion US dollar (£59.7 billion) deal would distort fair competition in the market.

Microsoft, maker of the Xbox gaming system, first announced the agreement to buy the California-based game publisher in January, but still awaits scrutiny from antitrust regulators in the US, Europe and elsewhere.