Officially Microsoft is hopeful that the regulator will accept a series of compromises which will allow the deal to go ahead, but apparently, it told the New York Times the antitrust authority has already made its mind up to oppose the transaction. The Brits are following similar grumblings from the EU, which objected to a perceived risk in Microsoft owning Call of Duty given it could reduce competition in the video games industry.

Microsoft still hopes "to convince Britain and the European Union to accept its concessions and approve the deal, which could make it easier for the company to reach an agreement with the FTC before the scheduled administrative trial starts in the summer".

Microsoft faces similar complaints from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority and the US Federal Trade Commission.