Microsoft’s $69 Billion Activision Deal Faces EU Probe (2)

Microsoft Corp.’s proposed $69 billion takeover of games developer Activision Blizzard Inc. faces an in-depth European Union probe after regulators said they’re concerned the software giant could thwart access to blockbuster franchises such as Call of Duty.

The European Commission said in a statement on Tuesday that Microsoft may “foreclose access to Activision Blizzard’s console and PC video games, especially to high-profile and highly successful games.” The EU’s merger watchdog set a March 23 deadline for its so-called phase 2 investigation.

The combination with Activision -- which owns some of the most popular games also including World of ...