It’s done: Microsoft completes the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The $69 billion deal means some of gaming’s biggest franchises, including Call of Duty, are now Xbox properties.
First announced in January 2022, the blockbuster deal has faced considerable scrutiny from regulators like the CMA and FTC, as well as concerns that it would be unfair to competition across different parts of the games industry. Ultimately, Microsoft proved that this was not the case by defeating the FTC in court and finally withdrew its objection to the deal from the CMA today. When the CMA did so, an Activision Blizzard spokesperson told “The CMA’s official approval is great news for our future with Microsoft, and we look forward to being part of the Xbox team.
After the close of stock market trading for Activision Blizzard yesterday, there were suspicions that deal closing was near. Microsoft confirmed this on Friday morning. A video celebrating the deal was posted on Xbox’s YouTube channel, while an Xbox Wire post went into a little more detail about what’s next from both Xbox and Activision Blizzard.
Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, explains, “As a team, we will learn, innovate, and continue to deliver on our promise to bring the joy and community of gaming to more people. While Activision Blizzard has dealt with rampant workplace harassment in the past, Spencer says he wants to “establish a culture that strives to empower everyone to do their best work, where all people are Welcome, and focused on our ongoing commitment to gaming for all.” When it comes to games, Spencer confirms that Activision Blizzard titles will remain available in a variety of locations and that they will begin bringing the publisher’s titles to Game Pass in the “coming months.”
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick will remain in his position until the end of 2023, reporting to Phil Spencer. It is unclear whether he will continue working with the company after that.
The first Activision Blizzard game to launch under Microsoft Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IIIWhich will arrive on November 10 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.