Microsoft Bids For Activision Blizzard
In February, Microsoft shocked the gaming world when it announceda proposal to buy Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. This purchase price makes it Microsoft’s biggest acquisition in its history (LinkedIn ranks No. 2 at $26.2 billion) and the biggest ever in the video game business. Microsoft is seeking to buy Activision Blizzard and all of its franchises and studios, including behemoths like Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft, Overwatch, and more.
Given the size and scale of the deal, it continues to face regulatory challenges and isn’t expected to be complete until 2023, if all goes to plan. Sony has protested Microsoft’s bid, citing Call of Duty potentially going exclusive to Xbox as a key point of concern, but Microsoft has maintained that Call of Duty will continue to be released on PlayStation consoles for years to come. Beyond that, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has said the deal is more about helping Microsoft get a foothold in the mobile gaming market with Activision Blizzard’s Candy Crush franchise and others.
