Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been successfully finalized, making Call of Duty an integral part of the Xbox family.
Microsoft has embarked on an exhilarating journey, now serving as the creative custodian of iconic franchises such as Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty, and even the delightful Candy Crush.
The colossal $68.7 billion fusion of forces, where Microsoft gallantly acquired Activision Blizzard, has finally reached its grand crescendo. After a grueling 20-month odyssey, marked by epic battles with regulatory giants in both the UK and the US, Microsoft triumphantly seals the deal. The Federal Trade Commission in the US fell before Microsoft’s might in a federal court, while a masterful deal restructuring swayed the discerning hearts of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK.
In the radiant words of Xbox’s illustrious maestro, Phil Spencer, “We are ardent gaming enthusiasts. We don’t merely play games; we craft them. We understand, on a deeply personal level, the profound significance of gaming to each of us and to our global community. Today, we extend a heartfelt welcome to Activision Blizzard and their talented teams into the Xbox family. As a united front, we shall embark on a journey of learning, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to spreading the sheer delight and camaraderie of gaming to the far corners of the world. Our culture champions empowerment, inclusivity, and our enduring dedication to ‘Gaming for Everyone.'”
This transaction stands as Microsoft’s grandest acquisition to date, dwarfing the $26 billion LinkedIn purchase of 2016 and the $7.5 billion Bethesda acquisition of 2021. It signifies Microsoft’s most monumental leap into the realm of gaming, positioning them as the “third-largest gaming entity by revenue, trailing only the formidable figures of Tencent and Sony.”
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So many stories to tell, so many characters to meet, so many worlds to explore…
It’s a good day to play: https://t.co/6i3RHmwsNZ pic.twitter.com/y7t2Q5mtrD
— Xbox (@Xbox) October 13, 2023
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In the spirit of pure enthusiasm, Microsoft unveils its grand design: to bestow upon the world the treasure trove of Activision Blizzard’s games, many of which will find their eternal abode in the hallowed halls of Xbox Game Pass. Spencer eloquently muses, “Today, the quest begins to bring the cherished franchises of Activision, Blizzard, and King to Game Pass and other platforms. In the coming months, we shall share the sacred scrolls that reveal when you, valiant gamers, can partake in this epic adventure. Rest assured, your excitement mirrors our own.”
However, it must be known that even in this grand tapestry of gaming, there are tales left untold. Activision Blizzard has foretold that Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo IV shall not grace the Xbox Game Pass realm this year. As for the sacred numbers of Xbox Game Pass subscribers, a mystery veils their countenance, for Microsoft has chosen to keep them concealed since the proclamation of 25 million loyal souls accompanying the original announcement of the Activision Blizzard alliance in January 2022.
Microsoft is orchestrating a grand assembly of more than nine illustrious game studios from the enchanted Blizzard realm, all set to join the majestic Xbox Game Studios. On the other side of the acquisition’s magic mirror, the Kingdom of King has contributed game studios scattered across more than 11 mystical locations, specializing in the art of mobile gaming. This sorcerous merger has transmuted Microsoft into an unparalleled publishing juggernaut, adorned with the talents of over 8,500 fervent Activision employees who have now pledged their allegiance to the Microsoft kingdom.
Amidst this transformation, the ever-resilient Bobby Kotick, the wizened sage and CEO of Activision Blizzard, remains steadfast in his role, guiding the transition with his wisdom until the final sunset of 2023. In his raven-scroll dispatch to the Activision Blizzard faithful, he declares, “I have long declared my unwavering commitment to facilitating this transmutation. The venerable Phil has beseeched me to retain my position as the CEO of ABK, and under his benevolent guidance, I shall continue my stewardship until the year’s end. Together, we shall forge a harmonious fusion for our gallant teams and noble players.”
In a proclamation bearing the seal of Friday, Microsoft reaffirms its dedication to the pact of labor neutrality, a covenant forged with the wise elders of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) back in the golden days of June 2022. With the acquisition of Activision Blizzard now graven in stone, the scribe known as Brad Smith scribes in a blog post, “As we stand more than sixteen lunar cycles distant from the inception of the transaction that bound Microsoft to the realm of Activision Blizzard, we declare our unwavering commitment to the sacred principles of labor and the pioneering spirit of our union companionship. Microsoft’s heart remains resolute in championing the choices of both our existing and future employees, as they chart their course in the labyrinth of their workplace and representation.” It is whispered through the enchanted forests that the laborers dwelling within Blizzard’s Albany, NY sanctuaries and the esteemed guild of Raven Software have, in unity, raised the banner of the union.
Alas, this epic tale of acquisition was no gentle stroll through the enchanted forest. The Council of CMA initially cast a shadow over the deal in the mystical lands of the UK, expressing concern about the clouds looming on the horizon. This dispute came many moons after the FTC, a formidable guardian of competition, first brandished its sword to thwart the fateful union of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard on the American shores. Yet, the FTC’s shield failed to repel the impending convergence, and so an accord was swiftly struck. The CMA and Microsoft momentarily sheathed their legal swords to parley over the ethereal rights of cloud gaming, culminating in a mysterious agreement that now binds their fate.
The FTC, however, remains undaunted in its quest, vowing to unfurl its banner of appeal. A spokeswoman, Victoria Graham, reveals, “Microsoft and Activision’s newly woven tapestry with Ubisoft unfurls a fresh chapter in this tale, one that shall weigh upon the hearts of American consumers. The FTC shall embark on a continuing odyssey to safeguard the realms of competition. They believe this pact poses a perilous threat to the realm.”
