On January 18, 2022, China approved Microsoft’s plan to acquire video game-maker Activision Blizzard. This confirmation comes after months of speculation and anticipation from the gaming community and industry analysts.
The acquisition, which is expected to be completed by mid-2023, will see Microsoft take control of one of the largest video game companies in the world. Activision Blizzard is responsible for some of the most popular and successful franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush.
The deal is worth a staggering $68.7 billion, making it one of the largest acquisitions in the history of the gaming industry. It will also give Microsoft a significant foothold in the lucrative mobile gaming market, as Activision Blizzard owns King Digital Entertainment, the developer behind Candy Crush.
The approval from China is a significant milestone for Microsoft, as the country is one of the largest gaming markets in the world. It also marks a major win for Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who has been pushing the company to expand its presence in the gaming industry.
However, the acquisition has not been without controversy. Activision Blizzard has been embroiled in a number of scandals in recent years, including allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination within the company. These issues have led to protests and calls for boycotts from both employees and consumers.
Microsoft has stated that it is committed to addressing these issues and creating a safe and inclusive workplace culture at Activision Blizzard. In a statement released after the approval from China, Microsoft said that it “recognizes the importance of ensuring that all employees feel valued, respected, and safe.”
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to become a leader in the gaming industry. The company has been investing heavily in its Xbox division in recent years, with the launch of the Xbox Series X/S consoles and the acquisition of several other game studios.
The move also puts Microsoft in direct competition with other tech giants, such as Amazon and Google, who have also been investing in the gaming industry. With the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft now has a significant advantage in terms of both content and market share.
In conclusion, the approval of Microsoft’s plan to acquire Activision Blizzard is a significant development for both companies and the gaming industry as a whole. While there are concerns about the controversies surrounding Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s commitment to addressing these issues and creating a safe and inclusive workplace culture is a positive step forward. The acquisition will also give Microsoft a significant foothold in the gaming industry and put it in direct competition with other tech giants. It will be interesting to see how this acquisition plays out in the coming months and years.
