Who is Activision Owned By?
As of October 13, 2023, Activision Blizzard is fully owned by Microsoft, one of the largest technology companies in the world. Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in a deal worth $68.7 billion, marking a significant milestone in the gaming industry.
What does this mean?
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has far-reaching implications for the gaming industry and the company’s future operations. Here are some key takeaways:
- Unification of gaming divisions: Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard brings together the company’s gaming divisions under one umbrella, creating a formidable force in the industry.
- Access to new franchises: Microsoft will now have access to Activision Blizzard’s popular franchises, including Call of Duty, Candy Crush, and World of Warcraft.
- New game development opportunities: The acquisition creates opportunities for new game development, as Microsoft can now draw on Activision Blizzard’s expertise and resources.
History of the acquisition
The acquisition was announced on January 18, 2022, and was approved by regulators in August 2023. The deal was a result of Microsoft’s strategic plan to expand its gaming business and create a more robust offering for gamers.
Financial implications
The acquisition has significant financial implications for both companies:
- $68.7 billion deal: Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in a deal worth $68.7 billion, making it one of the largest acquisitions in the gaming industry.
- Increased revenue: The acquisition is expected to increase Microsoft’s revenue through the addition of Activision Blizzard’s popular franchises.
- Cost savings: The acquisition is also expected to result in cost savings for Microsoft, as it can eliminate redundant costs and optimize its operations.
Regulatory approval
The acquisition was subject to regulatory approval, which was obtained in August 2023:
- FTC approval: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved the acquisition, after a preliminary injunction was issued in January 2023.
- European Commission approval: The European Commission also approved the acquisition, subject to certain conditions.
What’s next?
Now that the acquisition is complete, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard are poised to work together to drive innovation and growth in the gaming industry:
- New game development: Microsoft and Activision Blizzard are expected to collaborate on new game development, drawing on each other’s expertise and resources.
- Merger of gaming divisions: The two companies will integrate their gaming divisions, creating a more robust and efficient organization.
- Global expansion: The acquisition opens up new opportunities for growth and expansion, as Microsoft and Activision Blizzard can now tap into each other’s global networks and markets.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard marks a significant shift in the gaming industry, creating a new powerhouse player with a broad range of popular franchises and a commitment to innovation and growth. As the two companies look to the future, gamers can expect exciting new developments and opportunities for growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in a deal worth $68.7 billion.
- The acquisition creates a new powerhouse player in the gaming industry, with access to popular franchises and a commitment to innovation and growth.
- The acquisition is expected to increase revenue and result in cost savings for Microsoft.
- The acquisition was subject to regulatory approval, which was obtained in August 2023.
Timeline:
- January 18, 2022: Microsoft announces its intent to acquire Activision Blizzard.
- August 2023: Regulatory approval is obtained.
- October 13, 2023: The acquisition is complete, with Activision Blizzard fully owned by Microsoft.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What does this mean for gamers?: The acquisition is expected to bring new and exciting game development opportunities, as well as access to popular franchises.
- Will there be changes to existing games?: It’s likely that there will be some changes to existing games, as Microsoft and Activision Blizzard work together to integrate their operations.
- What’s the timeline for new game development?: The timeline for new game development is still unknown, but it’s likely that we’ll see some new games and franchises in the coming years.