The world of gaming has been forever changed as Microsoft officially seals the deal on its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This momentous occasion took place on October 13, under the watchful eye of the British Antitrust Authority (CMA), after Microsoft made necessary adjustments to address concerns regarding the impact of the acquisition on the gaming landscape in the United Kingdom.
A New Era Begins
With the acquisition now complete, Microsoft, led by the Xbox boss, has gained control over a slew of popular game series, including the iconic Call of Duty, the legendary World of Warcraft, and the dark fantasy universe of Diablo. Moreover, several renowned developers such as Infinity Ward and Treyarch are now part of the Xbox Game Studio team. This move solidifies Microsoft’s position in the mobile gaming market, thanks to the addition of King, the brilliant masterminds behind the addictive Candy Crush Saga.
A Future Filled with Excitement
Reflecting on this monumental occasion, Phil Spencer, Microsoft’s head of gaming, expressed his excitement and vision for the future. In a statement on Xbox Wire, he emphasized the team’s commitment to learning, innovating, and, above all, bringing joy to the gaming community. Spencer emphasized that everyone is included in this journey, stating, “We will do this in a culture that empowers everyone, where everyone is welcome.”
Together, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard will create new worlds and captivating narratives, ensuring that your favorite games reach even more places, inviting more players to immerse themselves in thrilling adventures. Spencer further shared, “We will also engage and delight players in new and innovative ways in the places they love to play, including mobile, cloud streaming, and more.”
The Boundless Possibilities Ahead
As promised, Microsoft is committed to making games more accessible than ever before. In line with this pledge, cloud streaming providers and players will now be able to stream Activision games in the European Economic Area, demonstrating Microsoft’s dedication to the European Commission. Furthermore, beloved titles from Activision, Blizzard, and King will soon find their way to Game Pass and other platforms. Exciting announcements about the release of these games can be expected in the coming months.
In conclusion, the completion of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard marks a new chapter in the gaming industry. With the powerhouses of Halo and Call of Duty united under one roof, the future holds endless possibilities for players around the world. Stay tuned for more updates and be prepared for the extraordinary adventures that lie ahead.
