Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 Billion
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Suddenly, we are now in a world where Microsoft now owns the troubled Activision Blizzard, making well-established franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Crash Bandicoot and a lot more under the Xbox banner. Microsoft plans to offer almost all of Activision Blizzard’s list of games within Xbox Game pass and PC Game Pass.
This is an interesting announcement as Activision Blizzard is still in the process of handling various sexual harassment claims within the company that started last year and I’m curious to see how Microsoft and Xbox will handle the various issues that came to light. Bobby Kotick will remain as CEO of Activision Blizzard for now but it looks like Activision Blizzard business will report directly to Phil Spencer, who is at the top of the organizational chart as CEO of Microsoft Gaming.
“As a company, Microsoft is committed to our journey for inclusion in every aspect of gaming, among both employees and players. We deeply value individual studio cultures.” says Phil Spencer in an announcement post by Microsoft. “We also believe that creative success and autonomy go hand-in-hand with treating every person with dignity and respect. We hold all teams, and all leaders, to this commitment. We’re looking forward to extending our culture of proactive inclusion to the great teams across Activision Blizzard.”
The massive move to acquire publisher Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion comes after Microsoft acquired Bethesda for $7.5 billion back in September of 2020.
