Microsoft Buys Activision Blizzard for $70 Billion.
So does that mean I won’t be getting a free skin with PS Plus anymore?
What Will Change?
For now, nothing is certain, but from the official statement, it’s clear:
- The company will become a part of Microsoft only by June 2023, so technically they are currently independent, but only technically
- Bobby Kotick will remain as the CEO of Activision Blizzard, but he will now report to Phil Spencer, who in turn reports to the Board of Directors
- As many Activision Blizzard games as possible will be included in Game Pass
- Activision Blizzard will allow players to enjoy Halo (surprisingly) and Warcraft wherever players want
What is unclear:
- Whether the exclusive marketing deal between Sony and Call of Duty will continue
- How exactly Activision will be involved in the development of Halo (we might not expect Call of Duty in a future setting)
- Which games will actually make it into Game Pass
Activision Blizzard will become part of the Microsoft Gaming division, although the company will operate independently. The official deal amount has not been disclosed, but sources report about $70 billion.
After the deal is completed, Activision Publishing, Blizzard Entertainment, Beenox, Demonware, Digital Legends, High Moon Studios, Infinity Ward, King, Major League Gaming, Radical Entertainment, Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games, Toys for Bob, Treyarch, and all Activision Blizzard studios and divisions will fall under the joint management of the gaming division and its head, Phil Spencer.
UPD. Activision Blizzard’s stocks surged 37% on news of Microsoft’s acquisition, reaching $90 per share. Prior to this, the stock was valued at $65.39 per share.
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