Microsoft announced its plans to purchase Activision Blizzard for USD 68.7 billion. The acquisition will strengthen Microsoft’s gaming business across mobile, PC, console, and cloud.
This makes Microsoft the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. The planned acquisition also brings iconic franchises from the Activision, Blizzard, and King studios, such as “Warcraft,” “Diablo,” “Overwatch,” “Call of Duty,” and “Candy Crush.”
“Gaming is the most dynamic and exciting category in entertainment across all platforms today and will play a key role in the development of metaverse platforms,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft. “We’re investing deeply in world-class content, community, and the cloud to usher in a new era of gaming that puts players and creators first and makes gaming safe, inclusive, and accessible to all.”
The acquisition will also incorporate Activision Blizzard games into Microsoft’s Game Pass, making it one of the most compelling and diverse lineups of gaming content in the industry.
Meanwhile, Activision Blizzard´s mobile business will give Microsoft a significant presence and opportunity in the mobile gaming segment.
Upon close, Microsoft will have 30 internal game development studios, along with additional publishing and esports production capabilities.
Source: Microsoft
