The Biggest Acquisition in Gaming History
Microsoft Gaming Company, a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, recently announced its plans to acquire Activision Blizzard, the American video game holding company, for a whopping $68.7 billion in cash. The deal is set to be completed by the end of 2023 and will bring some of the most popular franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush under the Microsoft umbrella. This acquisition will be the biggest in the history of gaming, surpassing Microsoft's previous acquisition of Bethesda in 2020 for $7.5 billion.
What is Microsoft Gaming Company and Activision Blizzard?
Microsoft Gaming Company is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation that focuses on developing and publishing video games for PC and Xbox platforms. It was founded in 2001 and has since acquired several gaming companies such as Mojang Studios (creators of Minecraft), Rare, and Bethesda. Microsoft Gaming Company is best known for its Halo, Forza, and Gears of War franchises.
Activision Blizzard, on the other hand, is an American video game holding company based in Santa Monica, California. It was formed in 2008 through the merger of Activision and Vivendi Games. The company is best known for its franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush.
The Acquisition: Microsoft Gaming Company To Buy Activision Blizzard
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft Gaming Company is set to be the biggest in the history of gaming. The deal is valued at $68.7 billion in cash and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Once the acquisition is complete, Microsoft will become the owner of some of the most popular franchises in the gaming industry.
What Does This Mean for the Gaming Industry?
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft Gaming Company is expected to have a significant impact on the gaming industry. Microsoft will now be the owner of some of the biggest and most popular franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush. This will give Microsoft a competitive advantage over other gaming companies, such as Sony and Nintendo.
Additionally, Microsoft will be able to leverage Activision Blizzard's expertise in mobile gaming and esports. Mobile gaming has become increasingly popular in recent years, and Activision Blizzard's experience in this area will be valuable to Microsoft. Esports is also a rapidly growing industry, and Microsoft will now have the opportunity to expand its presence in this space.
Why Did Microsoft Acquire Activision Blizzard?
There are several reasons why Microsoft decided to acquire Activision Blizzard. Firstly, it will allow Microsoft to expand its portfolio of games and franchises. This will enable Microsoft to offer more exclusive content to its users and attract more gamers to its platforms.
Secondly, the acquisition will give Microsoft access to Activision Blizzard's expertise in mobile gaming and esports. As mentioned earlier, these are two rapidly growing areas in the gaming industry, and Microsoft will now be able to expand its presence in these spaces.
Finally, the acquisition will give Microsoft a competitive advantage over other gaming companies such as Sony and Nintendo. With the addition of Activision Blizzard's franchises, Microsoft will be able to offer a wider range of games to its users and attract more gamers to its platforms.
What Does This Mean for Gamers?
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft Gaming Company is expected to have a positive impact on gamers. Microsoft will now have access to some of the biggest and most popular franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush. This will enable Microsoft to offer more exclusive content to its users and attract more gamers to its platforms.
FAQs
1. Why did Microsoft acquire Activision Blizzard?
Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard to expand its presence in the gaming industry and have control over several popular game franchises.
2. What will happen to Activision Blizzard after the acquisition?
Activision Blizzard will operate as a standalone division within Microsoft, and Bobby Kotick, the current CEO, will remain in charge of the company.
3. Will there be cross-platform play between Xbox and other platforms?
There's a possibility of cross-platform play between Xbox and other platforms after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
4. What are the implications of the acquisition for the gaming industry?
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft will increase competition, better integrate with Xbox Game Pass, provide opportunities for cross-platform play.
