Microsoft has purchased mega-publisher Activision Blizzard for nearly $70 billion in a bombshell report. The story was quickly confirmed via Microsoft themselves.
A few months ago, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo leaders were questioning their future relationship with Activision Blizzard. Spencer mentioned that he was “evaluating all aspects” of Xbox’s relationship with the company. It turns out that evaluating just meant buying them out.
All kidding aside, the two companies will operate independently while the deal is completed. There’s no word on the future of current Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. Furthermore, we don’t know what this means for the future of the developers currently staffed by Activision Blizzard King. Video Games Chronicle reports that he will stay on following the completed acquisition.
Since July 2021, the company has lost 37 employees in light of the ongoing lawsuits.
Here’s what the Xbox Gaming Leadership Team looks like now.
In the press release, Microsoft talked about the importance of inclusion in their studios.
As a company, Microsoft is committed to our journey for inclusion in every aspect of gaming, among both employees and players. We deeply value individual studio cultures. We also believe that creative success and autonomy go hand-in-hand with treating every person with dignity and respect. We hold all teams, and all leaders, to this commitment. We’re looking forward to extending our culture of proactive inclusion to the great teams across Activision Blizzard.
Source: Xbox
It’ll be a while before we see what this means for the current Activision Blizzard studios. Here’s to hoping this acquisition is a good thing moving forward.
