Microsoft Completes $68.7 Billion Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
After a lengthy legal battle, Microsoft has successfully acquired game publisher Activision Blizzard for a staggering $68.7 billion. This acquisition adds a new series of franchises and studios to Microsoft’s already impressive portfolio.
With this deal, Microsoft’s Xbox division now owns popular gaming brands such as Call of Duty, Warcraft, Candy Crush Saga, and Overwatch, joining their existing intellectual properties like Minecraft and The Elder Scrolls. They have also gained control over Activision studios including Blizzard, Infinity Ward, and King. In total, Microsoft now boasts ownership of more than 23 game studios.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer expressed his gratitude to the millions of fans who love Activision, Blizzard, and King games, acknowledging their importance to the franchises. He celebrated the acquisition in a tweet, welcoming the community to Microsoft.
What Lies Ahead for Activision Blizzard?
Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard, will continue in his role but will now report directly to Phil Spencer. Spencer has requested Kotick to remain in his position until the end of 2023. Microsoft has no plans to merge the brands completely into Xbox, as they recognize the value and reputation of Activision, Blizzard, and King.
Will Activision Blizzard Games Remain Exclusive to Xbox and PC?
Microsoft has made agreements to keep Activision’s prominent Call of Duty franchise available on Sony PlayStation and Nintendo consoles for at least 10 years. These deals were made to address regulators’ concerns about monopolies. However, considering Microsoft’s previous acquisition of Bethesda, it is likely that future Activision Blizzard titles will be released as Xbox exclusives, potentially excluding PlayStation and Nintendo consoles.
When Can We Expect Activision Blizzard Games on Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox is actively working to bring Activision, Blizzard, and King games to their subscription service, Game Pass, as well as other platforms. Phil Spencer mentioned in a post that more information will be shared in the coming months. While titles like Call of Duty, Overwatch 2, and Diablo IV won’t be added this year, players can anticipate seeing Activision Blizzard games on Game Pass in 2024.
What About Cloud Gaming?
Ubisoft has secured perpetual cloud streaming rights to all Activision Blizzard games, including Call of Duty. This means that Ubisoft’s game subscription service, Ubisoft+, will have access to all current Activision Blizzard games. Additionally, Ubisoft has the ability to license streaming access to other cloud gaming companies. This deal was a crucial part of Microsoft’s acquisition strategy to appease regulators.
Daniel O’Connor, Senior Community Experience Manager at Ubisoft, confirmed that they have cloud streaming rights for the next 15 years of Activision Blizzard games. Even after the agreement ends, Ubisoft will still be able to provide these games to people and companies worldwide.