Microsoft purchases Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion

Yet another high-profile acquisition is sending waves across the video game industry with Microsoft buying over Activision Blizzard. The deal is set at 68.7 billion USD, a figure that dwarfs Take Two Interactive’s 12.7 billion USD takeover of Zynga last week.

Once the deal goes through, Microsoft will be the third-largest gaming company in the world in terms of revenue, behind first-placed Tencent and second-placed Sony. The deal is expected to close in the fiscal year of 2023.

The takeover sees Microsoft absorbing 30 internal game development studios from Activision, Blizzard and King alongside over 10,000 employees. Activision Blizzard’s IPs such as Call of Duty, Candy Crush, World of Warcraft, Diablo and Overwatch will naturally be published by Microsoft.

Xbox and PC owners can also expect more things to come from this acquisition, with Microsoft poised to further bolster their Xbox Game Pass lineup.

According to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer:

“Upon close, we will offer as many Activision Blizzard games as we can within Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, both new titles and games from Activision Blizzard’s incredible catalog.”

Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard. Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer.

Last year, Activision Blizzard has been marred with controversies and lawsuits over sexual harassment allegations taking place within the company. Microsoft did not state how they’ll be addressing the issue.

For more details, check out this post from Microsoft regarding the takeover.

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