Microsoft completes $69bn takeover of Activision Blizzard, securing gaming industry's largest-ever deal

Microsoft has successfully acquired Activision Blizzard for an astounding $69 billion (USD), making it the largest deal in the gaming industry to date.
UK regulators have given the green light to the global deal, allowing Microsoft, the owner of Xbox, to take control of Activision. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), although approving the takeover, criticised Microsoft's tactics throughout the process.

CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: "Microsoft had the chance to restructure during our initial investigation but instead continued to insist on a package of measures that we told them simply wouldn't work. Dragging out proceedings in this way only wastes time and money."
In a revised agreement, Microsoft has entrusted the distribution of Activision's games on consoles and PCs over the cloud to Ubisoft. However, Microsoft will now have control over revenue-generating titles like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush. The CMA believes this revised deal will maintain competitive prices in the gaming industry and ensure better services and increased options for consumers.

With this acquisition, Microsoft aims to boost demand for Xbox consoles, expand its Xbox Game Pass service, and establish a stronghold in the mobile gaming market. This move solidifies Microsoft's position as a major player in the gaming industry, potentially surpassing Nintendo to become the third-largest company, trailing behind Sony and Tencent.

- CyberBeat