It's official: Microsoft has acquired Activision Blizzard, the company behind franchises like Call of Duty, Overwatch, Diablo, and World of Warcraft.
Earlier this morning, the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority approved Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The CMA was the last hurdle for Microsoft's acquisition after it received approval in more than 40 countries and regions, including the U.S. earlier this summer. The deadline for Microsoft to close this deal was October 18, but reports indicated the company was planning to finalize it today, October 13. That has now happened, and Activision Blizzard is officially part of Xbox's first-party studio umbrella.
Xbox head and Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer says, «I've long admired the work at Activision Blizzard, and King, and the impact they've had on gaming, entertainment, and pop culture,» noting that some of his most memorable gaming moments happened in games Activision Blizzard and mobile giant King created. «It is incredible to welcome such legendary teams to Xbox,» he says.
«As one team, we'll learn, innovate, and continue to deliver on our promise to bring the joy and community of gaming to more people,» he writes in an Xbox Wire post. «We'll do this in a culture that strives to empower everyone to do their best work, where all people are welcome, and is centered on our ongoing commitment of Gaming for Everyone. We are intentional about inclusion and everything we do at Xbox – from our team to the products we make and the stories we tell, to the way our players interact and engage as a wider gaming community.
»Together, we'll create new worlds and stories, bring your favorite games to more places so more players can join in, and
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