aMicrosoft announced that it will acquire one of the largest video game manufacturers, Activision Blizzard. (Activision Blizzard) For $68.7 billion in the largest deal in the electronic games sector.
Microsoft said it would pay the full amount to video game developer Activision Blizzard. Microsoft’s bid of $95 per share represents a 45% premium over Activision’s closing, where Activision shares were at $83.35 before the start of official trading. Also, this deal is the highest in Microsoft’s history, exceeding its acquisition of LinkedIn in 2016.
The deal comes at a time of weakness for Activision, as its shares have fallen more than 37% since hitting a record high last year, affected by allegations Sexual harassment of employees and misconduct by many senior managers.
Microsoft signs the biggest gaming deal in history
The deal includes Microsoft’s acquisition of innovative franchises such as Call of Duty AndCandy Crush And Warcraft, as you willIt has strengthened its position in the field of electronic games that it is famous for thanks to its Xbox game console, which, once completed, will make it the third largest video game company in terms of revenue, following the Chinese giant Tencent and Sony, the permanent competitor and owner of Play station“.
Microsoft will have 30 in-house studios to develop games, and this comes at a time when Microsoft plans to release Activision Blizzard games.” (Activision Blizzard) in a Game PassA subscription that allows you to play dozens of video games.
The deal also represents the American multinational company’s bet on worlds A virtual Internet “Metaverse” where people can work, play, socialize, and compete with Meta. AndIt comes as part of Microsoft’s efforts to expand its activities in the field of electronic games, as the demand for these games has increased significantly In recent years and in light of the Corona pandemic,.
The gaming industry was already seeing a lot of consolidation activity, with five deals worth $1 billion or more last year.
On January 10, game developer Take-Two Interactive spent $13 billion to buy mobile game maker Xiang..
Major companies such as Amazon, Apple and Netflix have entered the field of video games in recent years, and any of them may work on a new acquisition, following in Microsoft’s footsteps..
