Numerous countries have approved Microsoft’s attempted acquisition of Activision Blizzard. However, the UK’s CMA has opposed and blocked the deal – reportedly prompting the company to consider leaving the market.

Of course Microsoft is fighting their block and has filed their appeal against the decision. Despite this, there are also reports that should this fail, the company may consider withdrawing Activision Blizzard from the UK market in order for this deal to go through.

The report (via Bloomberg) alleges that Microsoft president Brad Smith will be meeting with UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on the matter. There’s a claim in this report that they may consider “extreme” options such as leaving the UK or bypassing it in some manner to get the deal to go through.

While the reports are looking at this as Microsoft’s decision – it is also made clear that Activision Blizzard want this deal to go through just as much, so they are willing to make a drastic move if it means making this a reality.

Presumably, even if they are considering this, it would be a last resort type of plan. The UK is one of the big markets for Activision, where they yearly Call of Duty releases typically top the sales charts during each release.

However, even if Activision Blizzard were to move their operations outside of the UK, this does not mean their games would necessarily be blocked in that country. It would be possible for them to find a distributor to continue to sell their games there.

For now, what is certain is that Microsoft will continuing fighting this decision as they are expected to have their court meeting on this matter some time in July.