Xbox’s $68.7 Billion Purchase of Activision Blizzard: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has shocked the gaming world by announcing its intention to buy Activision Blizzard, the publisher and developer behind some of the biggest franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty, Warcraft, Overwatch, and Candy Crush. The deal, which is expected to close by mid-2023 pending regulatory and shareholder approval, is worth a staggering $68.7 billion in cash, making it the largest acquisition in video game history.

But why did Microsoft make this move? And what does it mean for gamers, developers, and the industry as a whole? Here are some of the key points to understand about this historic deal.

The Benefits for Microsoft and Xbox

Microsoft claims that the acquisition will benefit players, developers, and the industry by offering more games, more choice, and more variety. By adding Activision Blizzard to its Xbox Game Studios brand, Microsoft will gain ownership of some of the most popular and profitable games in the world, as well as access to a huge and diverse audience across consoles, PC, and mobile.

Some of the benefits that Microsoft expects from the deal include:

• Expanding its Xbox Game Pass subscription service with more than 30 Activision Blizzard titles at launch, including Call of Duty, which is the best-selling console franchise in the U.S. for 13 years in a row.
• Growing its cloud gaming capabilities with Activision Blizzard’s expertise and infrastructure, as well as bringing more games to more devices and regions.
• Leveraging its AI, machine learning, and hardware innovations to enhance Activision Blizzard’s games and services.
• Supporting Activision Blizzard’s creative talent and culture, as well as investing in new and existing franchises.
• Increasing its presence and reach in the mobile gaming market, which is the largest and fastest-growing segment of the industry, thanks to Activision Blizzard’s King division, which is behind the hit Candy Crush saga.

The Challenges and Controversies

However, the deal also faces some challenges and controversies that could complicate its completion and impact. Some of the issues that Microsoft will have to deal with include:

• Regulatory scrutiny from antitrust authorities in the U.S., Europe, China, and other markets, who may be concerned about the potential effects of such a massive consolidation on competition, innovation, and consumer choice.
• Legal battles from multiple lawsuits filed against Activision Blizzard by state agencies, shareholders, employees, and former workers over allegations of widespread sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and toxic work culture at the company.
• Social backlash from gamers, activists, journalists, and industry peers who have criticized Activision Blizzard’s handling of the scandals and called for accountability and reform from its leadership, especially CEO Bobby Kotick, who has been accused of enabling and covering up misconduct.
• Creative risks from potentially alienating or losing some of Activision Blizzard’s fan base or talent if Microsoft decides to make some of its games exclusive to Xbox or PC platforms or interfere with their artistic vision or direction.

The Future of Gaming

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is undoubtedly a game-changer for the gaming industry. It will reshape the landscape of power and influence among the major players in the market. It will also create new opportunities and challenges for gamers, developers, publishers, platforms, and regulators. It will also raise questions about the future of gaming as a medium of entertainment, expression, and culture.

How will this deal affect you as a gamer? What are your hopes and fears for your favorite Activision Blizzard games under Microsoft’s ownership? Let us know in the comments below!