Microsoft plans to acquire Activision Blizzard to its gaming portfolio, a move that should power growth in its gaming business and entry into the metaverse.
When the US$68.7 billion deal is completed end of fiscal year 2023, Microsoft will only be behind Tencent and Sony in gaming revenue.
The acquisition will include leading titles from Activision, Blizzard and King studios such as Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty and Candy Crush, as well as global eSports activities through Major League Gaming.
“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. 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.
“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 of Activision Blizzard, who will retain his position after the acquisition.
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