Blocking the Microsoft-Activision deal would harm consumers

There are more than 14,000 levels in “Candy Crush Saga”, a maddeningly addictive mobile puzzle game. Microsoft’s attempt to buy its publisher, Activision Blizzard, is encountering almost as many obstacles. The $69bn deal—Microsoft’s largest ever—sailed through the easier stages of the merger game, winning approval from jurisdictions like Japan and the European Union. But in April it was , with only limited scope for appeal. As we published this, on June 22nd, Microsoft was preparing for a court battle with , who are in an activist mood and seem determined to stop the transaction.