Microsoft Purchased Activision Blizzard: What Does It Mean?

Microsoft has confirmed its purchase of Activision Blizzard, marking the biggest acquisition in the gaming industry to date. The tech giant now owns the publisher behind popular franchises like Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft, Overwatch, and Candy Crush. This article explores the story behind the acquisition, the involved legal battles, and its possible impacts.

In January 2022, Microsoft announced its intention to buy Activision Blizzard for a hefty $68.7 billion, intending to incorporate it into Microsoft's Xbox division. Several regulatory bodies had to confirm that the acquisition wouldn't result in a monopoly, posing risks to consumers and the overall market competition.

Despite some watchdogs' efforts to prevent the acquisition, it has officially moved forward. Microsoft, the tech major born out of the 1970s, is known for its widely used operating system Windows and Office software. Since 2001, Microsoft has also been a significant player in the gaming industry with its Xbox consoles.

Meanwhile, Activision, founded in 1979, gained prominence for creating hit games like Pitfall!. However, the company faced a rough patch, leading to a takeover by businessman Bobby Kotick, who restored Activision's former glory.

Upon completion of the acquisition, most of Activision Blizzard's modern games are expected to come to Xbox Game Pass, with Call of Duty games set to launch on other systems for the next ten years due to Microsoft's agreements.

The acquisition likely means that several other Activision Blizzard games won't appear on competing platforms in the future. Similar trends were noted after Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda.

Although the exact impact of Activision Blizzard's shakeup is unknown, it's nearly inevitable that job cuts may occur among their 17,000 staff due to overlaps.

This deal might have various impacts on the gaming industry as it not only makes Microsoft a bigger player but also fast-tracks their growth in sectors they want to evolve in, like the mobile gaming market.

Overall, the takeover marks a significant shift in the gaming industry, with implications for competitors like Sony. Can we expect a new wave of acquisitions or partnerships? Only time will tell. This event, however, is a clear reminder that the gaming industry can transform significantly in just a few years.