The exact cost to acquire Activision Blizzard was $68.7 billion, an unprecedented sum in the video game industry.
Microsoft's Landmark Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
In a monumental move that reshaped the global gaming landscape, Microsoft announced its intent to acquire Activision Blizzard in 2022 and successfully finalized the deal on Friday, October 13, 2023. This acquisition was valued at precisely $68.7 billion, though it is frequently referenced in public reports as approximately $69 billion due to its immense scale.
The completion of this deal marked the largest acquisition in the history of the video game industry, following more than a year of intense scrutiny and regulatory hurdles from antitrust officials around the world. The extensive review process underscored the significant impact such a merger would have on competition within the gaming market.
Key Aspects of the Acquisition
This historic transaction involved intricate negotiations and regulatory compliance to bring together two of the biggest names in technology and interactive entertainment.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Acquirer | Microsoft Corporation |
| Acquired Company | Activision Blizzard |
| Acquisition Price | $68.7 billion (often rounded to approximately $69 billion in public reports) |
| Announcement Year | 2022 |
| Deal Closure | October 13, 2023 |
| Significance | Represents the largest acquisition in the history of the video game industry, significantly expanding Microsoft's gaming portfolio and market share, particularly for its Xbox console and Game Pass subscription service. It also concluded one of the most rigorously scrutinized corporate mergers in recent memory due to antitrust concerns globally. |
Impact and Portfolio
The acquisition brought Activision Blizzard's vast portfolio of globally recognized franchises under Microsoft's ownership. This includes immensely popular titles such as:
- Call of Duty: A cornerstone first-person shooter series.
- Warcraft: A beloved fantasy universe spanning real-time strategy games and massive multiplayer online role-playing games.
- Candy Crush Saga: A highly successful mobile puzzle game.
- Overwatch: A popular team-based multiplayer shooter.
This strategic move by Microsoft aims to strengthen its position in the competitive gaming market, enhance its Xbox ecosystem, and expand the reach of its Game Pass subscription service, offering a diverse array of content to players worldwide.
For more details on this landmark deal, you can refer to reports from reputable financial news outlets like CNBC.
