After 20 months of battles with regulators in the United Kingdom and the United States, Microsoft has just completed the acquisition deal for approx. $69 billion from Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft officially announced that it acquired Activision Blizzard, one of the main players in the video game industry. This strategic move marks a major milestone in Microsoft’s expansion strategy in the video game market and is creating a wave of excitement among Xbox fans and video game lovers in general.
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“We love video games. We play them, we create games, and we know firsthand how important gaming is to each of us individually, collectively, and as a community. And today we officially welcome Activision Blizzard and their teams to XboxThey stated in the statement.
Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer has expressed deep respect for Activision Blizzard’s legacy and its impact on gaming culture and entertainment in general. Activision Blizzard’s notable achievements include the creation of some of the most iconic game franchises, such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Diablo.
This acquisition will allow Microsoft to expand its portfolio of high-quality games and collaborate with well-known development studios. Gaming enthusiasts can look forward to more Activision Blizzard titles being released on Game Pass and other Microsoft platforms in the near future.
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“Together we will create new worlds and stories, bring your favorite games to more places so more players can participate, and engage and delight players in new and innovative ways where they love to play, including mobile, cloud streaming, and more.” more,” the statement says.
The news also highlights Microsoft’s commitment to inclusion and diversity in the video game industry. The company is committed to fostering a culture that welcomes everyone and allows them to reach their full potential, following accusations from current and former Activision Blizzard employees accusing the company of violating state laws by allowing machismo and ” “culture. Widespread workplace harassment in the workplace.”
The deal faced strong opposition from Sony, the maker of the PlayStation console. Microsoft could hurt rivals by selling an inferior version of its popular Call of Duty shooter, the company’s video game chief Jim Ryan has suggested. In July, Microsoft and Sony signed a 10-year deal that will keep future Call of Duty games on PlayStation consoles. Ryan informed employees in late September that he would be leaving Sony in March.
UK regulators had previously vetoed the deal; He suggested that this could lead to higher prices, less choice and less innovation for players. The regulator said the new deal means Microsoft cannot limit access to core Activision content to its own cloud gaming service or withhold those games from rivals.
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The company cooperates with Apple Inc. regarding access to the app store. continues to conflict with. In 2020, Microsoft president Brad Smith criticized Apple’s terms, which included a 30% cut of developer revenue and restrictions on cloud gaming.
Fortnite maker Epic Games Inc. Although he sued Apple for its anti-competitive practices, he had difficulty winning in court. And Apple’s App Store still doesn’t welcome Microsoft’s cloud gaming service, which iOS users must access via a mobile browser.
Other aspects of gaming have changed since the deal with Activision was first announced in January 2022. The metaverse, a persistent online world in which consumers will play and shop, has not turned into as big a business opportunity as many in the industry believed.. This business was identified as the key driver of the acquisition when it was announced.
The delays also mean that Microsoft can only now begin the process of reshaping Activision’s culture the way the company wants. During While Microsoft has traditionally taken a hands-off approach with the game studios it acquires, it may be more involved this time around. Fans have often criticized some of Activision’s business decisions, such as saturating the market with the releases of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and Guitar Hero, ultimately decreasing the value of the series. They also stated that the company’s popular StarCraft series suffered from resource constraints because it brought in less revenue than other games.
Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has faced criticism for his handling of harassment complaints at the company. In 2021, the California Department of Civil Rights sued Activision for promoting “bro boy” culture. The company then appointed an officer to oversee diversity, equity and inclusion, appointed a director responsible for inclusive game design, and published a report on the company’s progress on workforce issues.
Microsoft also vowed to remain neutral on employee unionization after Activision opposed organizing efforts. In January, workers at Microsoft’s ZeniMax video game unit joined the Communications Workers of America union, and Microsoft immediately recognized the union.
*This content was rewritten with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by a journalist and editor, based on information published by Xbox and Bloomberg.
Source: Exame
I am Bret Jackson, a professional journalist and author for Gadget Onus, where I specialize in writing about the gaming industry. With over 6 years of experience in my field, I have built up an extensive portfolio that ranges from reviews to interviews with top figures within the industry. My work has been featured on various news sites, providing readers with insightful analysis regarding the current state of gaming culture.
