Game Over OnlineMicrosoft to Acquire Activision Blizzard
Today, Microsoft announced plans to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. When the transaction closes, Microsoft will become the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony.
The planned acquisition includes iconic franchises from the Activision, Blizzard and King studios like “Warcraft,” “Diablo,” “Overwatch,” “Call of Duty” and “Candy Crush,” in addition to global eSports activities through Major League Gaming. Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard and once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming.
The acquisition also bolsters Microsoft’s Game Pass portfolio with plans to launch Activision Blizzard games into Game Pass, which has reached a new milestone of over 25 million subscribers. Upon close, Microsoft will have 30 internal game development studios.