Microsoft is a step closer to finalising its acquisition of video game-maker Activision Blizzard, following developments in its legal battles in the US and UK.

In Britain, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has agreed to pause its legal battle with Microsoft and begin negotiations that would address the regulator's competition concerns regarding the cloud gaming market. 

“We stand ready to consider any proposals from Microsoft to restructure the transaction in a way that would address the concerns set out in our final report," a CMA spokesperson said.

“In order to be able to prioritise work on these proposals, Microsoft and Activision have agreed with the CMA that a stay of litigation in the UK would be in the public interest and all parties have made a joint submission to the Competition Appeal Tribunal to this effect.”

Microsoft has responded by stating that, while they “ultimately disagree with the CMA’s concerns" the company is ...