Microsoft has acquired the video game development company in Irvine, Activision Blizzard, in a deal worth over $68 billion. On January 18, 2022, the two companies announced the news. As per a recent statement, this all-cash deal will cause Microsoft to be among the world’s five biggest gaming companies, revenue-wise.
Activision Blizzard took to Twitter to share the latest news with the followers of the company through a recent email from its CEO Robert Kotick to its staffers. In the letter, Kotick defined it as a very exciting moment for Activision Blizzard and reassured followers that it would keep offering an exemplary gaming experience through Microsoft.
As Activision Blizzard considered potential partners, all paths led to the technology company known for the Windows operating system. Like Activision Blizzard, Microsoft has also been creating games for different platforms for such a long period now. It has already made games for computer users as well as people who use pieces of technology and innovation supporting next-gen games.
As per Microsoft, Kotick will keep working as the Chief Executive Officer of Activision Blizzard. When the deal gets finalized next June, Activision Blizzard will start to report to Phil Spencer, the Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Gaming.
Microsoft launched the XBOX over 20 years ago as well as will pay attention to developing metaverse- and mobile-based games. Microsoft Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said that his company is getting ready to observe the start of a new gaming era.
Describing gaming as the most exciting and dynamic entertainment category across platforms, Nadella said that it would play a part in metaverse platform development. Microsoft is spending a lot on top-quality content, the cloud and the community to mark the beginning of an era for gaming. It will not only put creators and players first but will also make gaming inclusive, accessible and safe for everyone.
The merger of Microsoft with Activision Blizzard comes months after an Activision Blizzard staffer went public regarding an unfair workplace setting, in which she suffered sexual harassment. She was the first Activision Blizzard employee to do so.
In July last year, many Activision Blizzard staffers took part in a walkout after they signed a letter demanding equality within their company. It was also a response to Kotick’s failure to meet the earlier demand for equality in the company. Thus, Kotick prompted one more response from Activision Blizzard staffers.