Microsoft Has Acquired Activision Blizzard for $69 Billion
Microsoft has successfully acquired Activision Blizzard, with approval from UK regulators following their initial bid block. The acquisition, valued at $69 billion, was executed in an all-cash transaction.
The deal’s closure signifies the conclusion of a two-year-long battle between Microsoft and the CMA. To secure the deal, Microsoft made certain concessions, including granting Ubisoft the rights to stream Activision games from the cloud for 15 years outside the European Economic Area (EEA), encompassing EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Despite concerns from rivals like Sony and regulatory scrutiny, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer reassured gamers. He emphasized that all players, regardless of their platform, are welcome and that this acquisition will bring new gaming possibilities.
Activision Blizzard’s CEO, Bobby Kotick, confirmed his plan to step down at the end of 2023. He expressed his commitment to a smooth transition. For the rest of the year he will report to Xbox boss Phil Spencer.
In celebration of the deal’s closure, the official Xbox X account released a sizzle reel with the caption, “So many stories to tell, so many characters to meet, so many worlds to explore…” This reel features a diverse lineup of games now in Xbox’s portfolio, including popular titles like Candy Crush, Call of Duty, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft.
The deal’s finalization marks a substantial step for Microsoft in expanding its gaming IP portfolio. Xbox, presently ranking third in console sales, faces hurdles in its quest for competitiveness within the demanding gaming market.
Following the deal’s closure, Game Pass has revealed plans to integrate Activision Blizzard King’s game catalog into the service. The exact timeline remains undisclosed, but Phil Spencer promised further details in the coming months.
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