Microsoft Acquires Activision/Blizzard
Legendary fan-favorite Activision/Blizzard franchises are joining Xbox family in biggest-ever buyout of $68.7 billion.
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| Microsoft Acquires Activision/Blizzard |
Even after a huge acquisition deal of Bethesda/ZeniMax Media in 2020, Microsoft was actively looking for acquiring more studios and today, Xbox made a surprise announcement of buying Activision/Blizzard for a whopping $68.7 billion.
In a recently released official statement, Xbox head Phil Spencer welcomes Activision/Blizzard creative teams to join Xbox family. He shared excitement of working with studios like Beenox, Infinity Ward, Raven Software and many others.
Microsoft buyout of Activision/Blizzard brings exclusive publishing rights for Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, Overwatch and Warcraft to Xbox. It is safe to say that many of these big-name titles will soon be heading to Xbox Game Pass service.
After latest acquisition, Microsoft has become one of world's largest gaming companies behind Tencent and Sony. For ongoing console generation, Xbox is trying to improve things and buying up leading dev studios with great creative vision.
Activision/Blizzard was sued by California Department of Fair Employment and Housing over a toxic workplace culture last year. Both shareholders and stuffs were demanding for removal of CEO Bobby Kotick on allegations of misconduct.
Addressing such issues, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has confirmed evaluating company relationship with Activision following Bobby Kotick scandal. However, he will continue to be company head until completion of additional regulatory review.
Microsoft expects to close the deal by fiscal year 2023 and Activision/Blizzard will continue to run independently until transaction closes. After regulatory review is complete and buyout is closed, business will report to CEO Phil Spencer.
