What the Microsoft Activision Blizzard Acquisition Means for Esports
In a shocking revelation, Microsoft recently announced that it will be acquiring Activision Blizzard, one of the biggest gaming companies. The acquisition is valued at $70 billion and, should it be finalized, will make Microsoft the third-largest gaming company in the world, sitting behind Sony and Tencent. Economists have been speculating over whether the acquisition may catalyze the creation of gaming monopolies. However, for gamers, the focus has been on the future of the many franchises under Activision Blizzard's umbrella.
One gaming sector that may be severely affected by Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is esports. Both Overwatch and Call of Duty are Activision Blizzard games that feature prominently in the esports scene. While the money injection from Microsoft may serve the franchises well, some gamers are concerned that exclusivity could prevent some gamers from participating.
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Activision Blizzard supports plenty of esports by hosting professional gaming leagues. This includes Hearthstone Grandmasters and the World of Warcraft Arena World Championship. The two leagues that always manage to draw eyes are the Overwatch League and the Call of Duty League.
The Overwatch League, also known as OWL, puts millions up for grabs for the best players. Teams around the world compete, and there are plans to expand the tournament with teams from more global regions. The Call of Duty League was formed after the Overwatch League, and it follows a similar model. Matches in the USA receive the most attention, although the Call of Duty League is also active in Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. The tournament has been highly successful, with the 2021 event
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