Microsoft reportedly reassures staff its gaming strategy will continue if Activision Blizzard buyout fails
What happens if Microsoft's proposed $69bn buyout of Activision Blizzard falls through, as seems distinctly possible following the Competition and Markets Authority's shock decision to block the deal?
It's a question Xbox boss Phil Spencer reportedly answered to staff at an all-hands meeting on Thursday, according to Bloomberg (paywall).
According to Bloomberg, Spencer stressed Microsoft remains committed to getting the deal over the line while acknowledging the damaging impact of this week's events. The company, alongside Activision Blizzard, plans to appeal.
Spencer apparently told staff the acquisition of Activision Blizzard is meant to speed up Microsoft's gaming plans, but isn't the be-all and end-all of the company's gaming strategy, which would «move ahead» even without the firm behind Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush.
Spencer's comments come at a tricky time for Xbox, which has seen console sales struggle. This week, Microsoft reported gaming revenue down four percent and Xbox hardware revenue down 30 percent. With a lack of big-hitter exclusives in recent years and stalling Game Pass growth on console, Microsoft's buyout of Activision Blizzard was seen as a crucial shot in the arm of its gaming efforts amid tough competition from Sony and Nintendo.
Specifically, Activision Blizzard-owned Candy Crush maker King was viewed as a key component in Microsoft's gaming strategy, which includes plans to launch an app store for games across mobile devices. Microsoft currently has limited gaming presence on mobile.
Meanwhile, Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick, who has heavily criticised the CMA's ruling in interviews this week, addressed the same issue in a chat with CNBC.
Asked whether Activision
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