Microsoft set to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7bn
18/01/2022Microsoft has continued its acquisition spree by purchasing games publisher Activision Blizzard in the biggest purchase within the history of gaming.
The purchase, standing at $95 per share, is an all-cash transaction valued at $68.7bn, inclusive of Activision’ Blizzard’s net cash, and will include franchises from Activision, Blizzard and King Studios, such as Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty and Candy Crush, to say the least, joining Xbox.
In a statement posted on the official Xbox website, Phil Spencer, CEO at Microsoft Gaming, emphasised that upon completion of the transaction, both Activision Blizzard and Microsoft Gaming will “continue to operate independently” while stressing that once closed, all of AB’s business will report directly to Spencer.
“As a team, we are on a mission to extend the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet,” Microsoft Gaming’s CEO stated. “We all know that gaming is the most vibrant and dynamic form of entertainment worldwide and we’ve experienced the power of social connection and friendship that gaming makes possible.
“As we pursue that mission, it is incredibly exciting to announce that Microsoft has agreed to acquire Activision Blizzard.
“Over many decades, the studios and teams that make up Activision Blizzard have earned vast wellsprings of joy and respect from billions of people all over the world. We are incredibly excited to have the chance to work with the amazing, talented, dedicated people across Activision Publishing, Blizzard Entertainment, Beenox, Demonware, Digital Legends, High Moon Studios, Infinity Ward, King, Major League Gaming, Radical Entertainment, Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games, Toys for Bob, Treyarch and every team across Activision Blizzard.
“Until this transaction closes, Activision Blizzard and Microsoft Gaming will continue to operate independently. Once the deal is complete, the Activision Blizzard business will report to me as CEO, Microsoft Gaming.”
In addition to the above, the closing of the transaction will result in numerous games from Activision Blizzard’s catalogue becoming available within Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, both new and existing.
Moreover, Spencer emphasised that the purchase will see Microsoft “accelerate our plans for Cloud Gaming” stating many of AB’s titles are enjoyed on a variety of platforms which the CEO stated plans to “support those communities moving forward”.
“As a company, Microsoft is committed to our journey for inclusion in every aspect of gaming, among both employees and players,” Spencer concluded. “We deeply value individual studio cultures.
“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.
“Around the world, there is no more exciting venue for fun and connection than video games. And there has never been a better time to play than right now.
“As we extend the joy and community of gaming to everyone, we look forward to welcoming all of our friends at Activision Blizzard to Microsoft Gaming.”
