KEY POINTS
Microsoft efficiently purchased Activision Blizzard for roughly $69 billionThe deal could finish in console exclusivity for all future video games made by Activision BlizzardExisting on-line video games are anticipated to stay as is
Microsoft not too long ago closed a roughly $69 billion deal to amass embattled gaming titan Activision Blizzard, the corporate behind huge hits akin to “Overwatch,” “Diablo” and “Call of Duty,” lower than one 12 months after buying the whole lot of Bethesda again in March 2021.
Officials confirmed the profitable acquisition of Activision Blizzard mere minutes after rumors began spreading, as per an official tweet from the Xbox Twitter account Tuesday. Activision Blizzard is now formally part of Microsoft Studios alongside different recreation builders like Zenimax, Mojang and 343 Industries.
The acquisition got here as a shock to the larger gaming neighborhood, particularly for console gamers who’re frightened that Activision Blizzard will not produce video games for Sony’s Playstation platform. There’s additionally the matter of the continued investigation into alleged rampant sexual harassment inside Activision Blizzard’s ranks.
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick faces an unsure future in his job after information of a Microsoft merger deal Photo: GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA through AFP / Drew Angerer
Regarding the latter, longtime Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is predicted to step down from his place, the Wall Street Journal reported. By the time the corporate turns into totally built-in into Microsoft, Kotick will not function the pinnacle of Activision Blizzard.
Ongoing recreation updates and growth are anticipated to proceed as traditional as soon as the deal between the businesses is full. However, it’s unknown how the shift in possession goes to have an effect on the sexual harassment probe and the opposite leadership-related points surrounding Activision Blizzard, such because the Raven Software strike that’s nonetheless happening.
As for the neighborhood’s issues relating to the supply of video games, it’s doubtless that Activision Blizzard video games will come to the Xbox Game Pass quickly. However, it’s unclear if the developer’s future titles will turn out to be unique to Xbox gaming consoles.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer mentioned they don’t intend to tug gamers away from the Playstation neighborhood, Bloomberg reported. However, Spencer’s message didn’t make clear something relating to platform exclusivity or cross-platform availability.
Existing console video games like “Call of Duty Vanguard” and “Warzone” are anticipated to function as per traditional. Unfortunately, the chances of future fan-favorite Activision titles like “Spyro” or “Crash Bandicoot” are prone to turn out to be Xbox-only video games, as offers like these usually find yourself in exclusivity offers.