Microsoft Finalizes Landmark Activision Blizzard Acquisition

Microsoft has officially completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The deal was finalized on October 13, 2023. This concludes a lengthy regulatory process spanning multiple countries. The transaction is valued at nearly $69 billion.It is one of the largest tech acquisitions in history. The move significantly alters the video game industry landscape. Microsoft now controls major franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.

Overcoming Final Regulatory Hurdles

Microsoft gained final approval from UK regulators last week. This was the last major obstacle. According to Reuters, the company made concessions to address competition concerns.These concessions include selling cloud gaming rights for Activision games to Ubisoft. This satisfied the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority. The deal had previously received clearance from regulators in the European Union and other jurisdictions.The acquisition faced a legal challenge from the US Federal Trade Commission. However, a US court denied the FTC’s request for an injunction. This cleared the path for the deal to close.

Reshaping the Gaming Market

The acquisition makes Microsoft the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue. It trails only Tencent and Sony. This provides Microsoft with a vast new library of popular game titles.These titles are expected to bolster the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Microsoft aims to make these games available to subscribers. This strategy could attract millions of new users to the Xbox ecosystem.For consumers, the long-term impact remains uncertain. Industry analysts suggest that major franchises like Call of Duty will remain on multiple platforms for now. The broader effect on game prices and market competition is a key point of discussion among experts.

What Benny Blanco Said in 5 Words About Selena Gomez’s Wedding Photos

The Microsoft Activision Blizzard acquisition marks a new chapter for the industry. It consolidates immense power within one company. The focus now shifts to how Microsoft will integrate these iconic studios and franchises.

Info at your fingertips

How much did Microsoft pay for Activision Blizzard?

The acquisition was completed for $68.7 billion. This is an all-cash transaction. It is Microsoft’s largest acquisition ever.

Will Call of Duty become an Xbox exclusive?

Microsoft has committed to keeping Call of Duty on PlayStation for at least ten years. Similar agreements have been made with other cloud gaming platforms. The company is focusing on expanding access through subscriptions.

Which regulators approved the deal?

The deal received approval from regulators in the European Union, the UK, and other key markets. The UK’s approval came after Microsoft agreed to sell certain cloud gaming rights. The US FTC’s challenge was unsuccessful in blocking the transaction.

What does this mean for Xbox Game Pass?

Microsoft plans to add Activision Blizzard games to the Xbox Game Pass library. This includes popular titles like Diablo and Overwatch. The move is intended to significantly increase the value of the subscription service.

Why did the UK initially block the deal?

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority was concerned about the impact on the cloud gaming market. They feared Microsoft could gain an unfair advantage. The issue was resolved when Microsoft sold cloud streaming rights for Activision’s games to Ubisoft.