Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard in $69 Billion Deal

Microsoft has officially acquired Activision Blizzard, the company known for popular franchises like Call of Duty, Overwatch, Diablo, and World of Warcraft. The deal, valued at a staggering $69 billion, received approval from the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) earlier today, marking the final hurdle for Microsoft. This acquisition has already been approved in over 40 countries and regions, including the United States.

Xbox Celebrates the Acquisition

To commemorate the acquisition, Xbox released a celebratory video. Xbox head and Microsoft Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer, expressed his admiration for the work done by Activision Blizzard and King, acknowledging their impact on the gaming, entertainment, and pop culture industries. Spencer stated that he is thrilled to welcome these legendary teams to Xbox.

Creating New Worlds and Stories

Spencer emphasized the importance of learning, innovation, and delivering on the promise of bringing joy and community to more people. He mentioned that the collaboration between Xbox and Activision Blizzard will result in the creation of new worlds, bringing favorite games to more platforms, including mobile and cloud streaming. Spencer assured players that Xbox will continue to listen to their feedback and build a community where developers can excel.

Expanding Game Pass and Enabling Cloud Streaming

In line with previous commitments, Xbox plans to make Activision Blizzard games available on Game Pass and other platforms. Spencer announced that Microsoft will begin enabling cloud streaming providers and players to stream these games in the European Economic Area. He further noted that more information about when players can expect to play these games on Game Pass will be shared in the coming months.

A Welcoming Community for All Gamers

Spencer emphasized the inclusive nature of Xbox, stating that all players are welcome, regardless of their preferred gaming platform. He expressed gratitude to the millions of fans who love Activision, Blizzard, and King games, referring to them as the heart and soul of these franchises. Spencer concluded by expressing his excitement for the future and the many possibilities that this acquisition unlocks.

Ubisoft Obtains Streaming Rights

In addition to the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal, Ubisoft announced that it has obtained the perpetual cloud streaming rights for all Activision Blizzard titles, including Call of Duty, over the next 15 years. This acquisition will allow Ubisoft to deliver more gaming experiences to players through its subscription offering, Ubisoft+.

Summary

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion has been officially approved, with the U.K.’s CMA being the final authority to grant permission. Xbox head Phil Spencer expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the creation of new worlds, expanding Game Pass, and enabling cloud streaming. The acquisition opens up a world of possibilities for gamers and paves the way for future innovations in the gaming industry.

Emails Sent by Phil Spencer and Bobby Kotick

Following the closure of the acquisition, Phil Spencer and Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick sent emails to all Microsoft and company employees, respectively. Full copies of these emails can be found below:

• Phil Spencer’s Email to Microsoft Employees: [Insert link to email]
• Bobby Kotick’s Email to Activision Blizzard Employees: [Insert link to email]

Ubisoft’s Statement on Cloud Streaming Rights

Ubisoft expressed excitement about obtaining the perpetual cloud streaming rights for Activision Blizzard titles, enabling them to deliver more gaming experiences to players through their subscription service, Ubisoft+.

“Good Day to Play” for Fans

Microsoft assured fans that today is a good day to play and emphasized their commitment to welcoming players from all platforms. They promised to deliver a world of possibilities and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the gaming community.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard marks a significant milestone in the gaming industry. The deal opens up new avenues for collaboration, innovation, and expansion, benefiting players worldwide. The future looks promising for Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and the gaming community as a whole.

What’s Next for Xbox Game Pass?

Which Activision Blizzard games do you hope will be added to Xbox Game Pass first? Let us know in the comments!