On Tuesday, Microsoft announced its plans to acquire game developer Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion at $95 per share. The deal will help Microsoft bolster its gaming business across platforms.
Activision Blizzard gaming studio is famed for developing Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty and Candy Crush, among other notable names. With this acquisition, Microsoft is set to become the third-largest gaming company, behind Tencent and Sony.
Microsoft’s Game Pass portfolio will also include Activision Blizzard games once the deal is completed. The gaming studio’s 400 million monthly active players worldwide will also add to the potential market for Game Pass, which already has over 25 million subscribers.
Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as Activision Blizzard’s CEO once the deal is done and report to Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO.
“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,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft.
With games like Halo and Warcraft under their belt, Microsoft will be focussing on mobile gaming as well since it presents a broader market due to easier access.
“The combination of Activision Blizzard’s world-class talent and extraordinary franchises with Microsoft’s technology, distribution, access to talent, ambitious vision and shared commitment to gaming and inclusion will help ensure our continued success in an increasingly competitive industry,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard.
In the News: Realme 9i arrives in India, starting at INR 13,999
