The gaming industry reacts to Microsoft's megaton acquisition of Activision Blizzard
Microsoft's remarkable acquisition of Activision-Blizzard is the biggest gaming news of 2022 so far, and a huge statement of intent from the tech giant about gaming: What was once a subsidiary arm of Microsoft now feels like one of its core strengths. Xbox is currently enjoying huge momentum, thanks mainly to Game Pass and a steady stream of acquisitions large and small that, once the Activision Blizzard takeover is complete, will leave Microsoft as the third-largest gaming company in the world (behind Tencent and Sony).
The news was kept quiet until its announcement, and games industry figures have been reacting. While it's a little odd to start with the ultimate insider reaction, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's statements have been notable for their emphasis on workplace culture, showing just how aware Microsoft is of the potential pitfalls here. The ongoing lawsuits Activision Blizzard is facing must have been an element in these conversations and, if I were a betting man, I'd put my house on Kotick trying to settle them before the takeover is complete.
Together with @ATVI_AB, we will usher in a new era of gaming that puts players and creators first and makes gaming safe, inclusive, and accessible to all. https://t.co/fF2Ig3gSfxJanuary 18, 2022
Sticking with Microsoft for just a moment, GM of Xbox Aaron Greenberg claims he's hearing nothing but positivity from Activision Blizzard teams—of course, he would say that.
Love this focus from Satya and Phil, proud of the team and culture we have here at Xbox/Microsoft. It’s encouraging to get so many positive messages from folks working inside the Activision Blizzard teams who are so happy about what this means for their future.
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