Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard

Microsoft will acquire Activision Blizzard for $95.00 per share, in an all-cash transaction valued at $68.7 billion.

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Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard
Image Courtesy: Microsoft
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One of the biggest acquisitions in video game history took place today as Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in an all-cash deal worth $68.7 billion ($95.00 per share). The news has far-reaching implications, not only for consumers, but also for investors, developers, and publishers across the entire gaming industry. Here’s what you need to know about this game-changing merger between two of the biggest names in gaming.

What’s Next? : This year, Microsoft was on a buying spree. The tech giant acquired five new companies in 2018. Now, it has announced its biggest purchase to date: software developer Activision Blizzard for an eye-popping $68.7 billion ($95.00 per share).

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What is Microsoft’s Mission?

Recently, Microsoft announced that it is acquiring the gaming company Activision Blizzard. This deal will see Microsoft take ownership of some of gaming’s most well-known brands and franchises, including World of Warcraft and Call of Duty.

Who Benefits From This Acquisition?

In many ways, it’s a very natural fit. Microsoft has struggled to compete in consoles against Sony, and has no presence in mobile gaming—whereas Activision is a big player on all fronts.

This acquisition means that Xbox users will finally have access to Call of Duty and Destiny (as well as Candy Crush), whereas before they were cut off from one of gaming’s biggest franchises. Meanwhile, Microsoft gains a foothold in mobile by purchasing King Digital, best known for its puzzle games like Candy Crush Saga.

If you are wondering what’s Sony’s take on this acquisition, then here is what Sony’s Ex-CEO Kaz Hirai has to say.

”At Sony we wanted to make a very strong and principled stance against employee harassment, which is why 30 minutes ago we decided to never work with Activision Blizzard again.”

What Does This Mean For The Future Of Gaming?

It’s hard to believe that Microsoft has acquired Activision Blizzard, one of gaming’s biggest brands. But where does it leave games like Overwatch and World of Warcraft? Here are some of our thoughts.

Why Is Microsoft Investing In Game Streaming?

Microsoft has long been rumored to be working on its own game streaming service, but last week it took a big step toward making that a reality by announcing an acquisition of gaming giant, Activision Blizzard. Not only does Microsoft’s interest in video games make sense from a product standpoint (Xbox and PC gamers use different operating systems), but an investment in one of gaming’s biggest companies could help it stand out against competitors like Google and Amazon.

What Can We Expect In The Future From Microsoft And Activision Blizzard?

Even though we already know that they will be publishing future Call of Duty, Warcraft, Starcraft, and Diablo games on PC. Many gamers are still wondering what Microsoft has planned for their new acquisition.

With news recently dropping that Microsoft is planning on launching a streaming service with Xbox Live sometime next year (they have been reportedly testing it for years now), I think it’s safe to say that we can expect more than just video games from them. But what about video games?

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Rizwan Ahmad
Rizwan Ahmad

Rizwan is an avid mobile geek and a gaming lover. He loves to keep a tab on new tech and loves to share the latest tech news and reviews on Smartphones, Gadgets, Apps, and more.

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