Microsoft Proclaims $68.7 Billion Acquisition of Activision Blizzard: A Monumental Deal in the Gaming World
In a groundbreaking move, Microsoft has successfully completed the acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard, solidifying its position as a major player in the industry. The long-awaited deal, which faced numerous legal disputes and opposition from industry participants and authorities, marks the largest acquisition in gaming history. With this acquisition, Microsoft now gains ownership of renowned gaming titles such as Candy Crush Saga, Overwatch, and Call of Duty, establishing its dominance in the market.
The journey to this momentous achievement was not without its challenges. The likes of Sony, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opposed the merger when Microsoft initially announced its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard. To appease the authorities, Microsoft entered into exclusive long-term agreements with various gaming firms and platforms, including Nvidia, Boosteroid, Nintendo, and Ubitus, by early 2023. Even Sony, after initially rejecting a similar offer, eventually agreed to a Call of Duty contract with Microsoft in July.
However, Microsoft had to make revisions to its original proposed transaction after the CMA intervened and banned the Activision Blizzard acquisition. Undeterred, the tech giant swiftly acted upon the CMA’s approval of the agreement’s renewal, finalizing the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In an official statement, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer confirmed that Activision Blizzard, in its entirety, was joining the Xbox family. This monumental agreement surpasses Microsoft’s previous record acquisition of LinkedIn for $26 billion in 2016 and elevates the company to the position of the third-largest gaming company in terms of sales, trailing only Tencent and Sony.
As a result of this acquisition, Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s popular subscription service, will now include a wide range of Activision Blizzard titles, expanding its already impressive library of games. While specifics about the inclusion of Activision Blizzard games on Game Pass are yet to be announced, players can anticipate exciting updates in the coming months. It is worth noting that some of the more recent games like Diablo 4 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will not be part of Game Pass this year. However, there are speculations that earlier editions of the Call of Duty franchise may soon be added to Game Pass.
This groundbreaking acquisition marks a significant milestone for both Microsoft and the gaming industry as a whole. It demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to expanding its presence in the gaming world and reinforces its position as a major competitor. With the addition of Activision Blizzard’s impressive portfolio of games, Microsoft is poised to captivate players worldwide with its unrivaled gaming experience. The future holds exciting possibilities for Xbox and its passionate gaming community, as Microsoft continues to push boundaries and redefine the gaming landscape.
