Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Purchase Expected To Complete In 2023
Editor’s Note: A lawsuit has been filed against Activision Blizzard by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which alleges the company has engaged in abuse, discrimination, and retaliation against its female employees. Activision Blizzard has denied the allegations. The full details of the Activision Blizzard lawsuit (content warning: rape, suicide, abuse, harassment) are being updated as new information becomes available
Following news that Microsoft is acquiring Activision Blizzard, it's reported that the gaming publisher is expected to remain independent until summer 2023. The surprising Activision Blizzard acquisition has dominated headlines since its reveal earlier today, January 18. While there were people expecting Microsoft to acquire more developers, no one expected the Xbox owner to target Activision Blizzard. The company owns some of the biggest franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty and Overwatch, making it one of the most lucrative publishers in the industry.
The news of Microsoft's latest large acquisition leaked out just prior to the official press release, but left many wondering about the specifics. While there's still lots to figure out in terms of future game exclusivity and Xbox Game Pass inclusions, Microsoft will have the power to make franchises like Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox. Of course, just because Microsoft can, does not mean it will, as doing so could damage sales and cause player backlash. Following Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, multiple Bethesda games came to Xbox Game Pass, and fans are already speculating if the same will happen with Activision Blizzard titles in the future.
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