Microsoft has successfully completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, marking a significant milestone in the gaming industry. The $68.7 billion deal brings together two giants, promising exciting developments for gamers worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Deal Value: Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is valued at a whopping $68.7 billion, making it the tech giant’s largest purchase to date.
- Regulatory Hurdles: The acquisition faced 20 months of challenges with regulators in both the UK and US but eventually triumphed over the Federal Trade Commission in a US federal court.
- Future Plans: Microsoft aims to integrate many of Activision Blizzard’s games into the Xbox Game Pass, enhancing the gaming experience for its subscribers.
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is not just about numbers; it’s a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to gaming. Phil Spencer, Xbox chief, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We love gaming. We play games, create games, and know first-hand how much gaming means to all of us.” With this acquisition, Microsoft solidifies its position in the gaming industry, now standing as the “third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony.”
While the deal’s magnitude is evident, its implications for the gaming community are even more profound. Microsoft plans to bring many beloved Activision, Blizzard, and King franchises to the Xbox Game Pass. However, it’s worth noting that some anticipated titles like Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo IV won’t be making their way to the Game Pass this year. This acquisition also means that Microsoft will be adding more than nine game studios from Blizzard and several more from the mobile gaming King side, transforming Microsoft into a formidable publishing powerhouse.
On the personnel front, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick will continue to play a pivotal role, assisting with the transition until the end of 2023. Kotick’s commitment to ensuring a smooth integration for teams and players is evident from his statement, “Phil has asked me to stay on as CEO of ABK, reporting to him, and we have agreed that I will do that through the end of 2023.”
| For Further Reading | Xbox Game Pass: Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service from Microsoft for use with its Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One consoles, as well as Windows 10. The service offers access to a vast library of games, with new titles added regularly. With the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft plans to add many popular titles to this service, enhancing its value proposition for gamers. [Wikipedia] |
Q&A
What does this acquisition mean for Xbox Game Pass subscribers?
With the acquisition, Microsoft plans to integrate many of Activision Blizzard’s popular games into the Xbox Game Pass, offering a richer gaming experience for its subscribers.
Will Bobby Kotick remain the CEO of Activision Blizzard?
Yes, Bobby Kotick will remain the CEO of Activision Blizzard and will assist with the transition until the end of 2023.
How does this acquisition compare to Microsoft’s previous ones?
This is Microsoft’s largest acquisition ever, surpassing the $26 billion paid for LinkedIn in 2016 and the $7.5 billion for Bethesda in 2021.
Original article source: The Verge