Microsoft has formally closed its Activision Blizzard buy only a day after the UK’s Competitors and Markets Authority signed off on the deal.
The CMA signed off on Microsoft’s acquisition as soon as the corporate agreed to license its sport streaming rights to Ubisoft, easing considerations regulators had that Microsoft might dominate the sport streaming market.
Only a day later, Xbox head Phil Spencer welcomed the Activision Blizzard staff to Microsoft:
We love gaming. We play video games, create video games, and know first-hand how a lot gaming means to all of us as people and collectively, as a neighborhood. And immediately, we formally welcome Activision Blizzard and their groups to Xbox. They’re the publishers of among the most performed and most beloved franchises in gaming historical past throughout console, PC and cell. From Pitfall to Name of Obligation, World of Warcraft to Overwatch, Sweet Crush Saga to Farm Heroes Saga, their studios have pushed the boundaries of gaming for gamers all over the world.
Spencer added that followers of Activision have loads of purpose to be pleased with this acquisition:
For the thousands and thousands of followers who love Activision, Blizzard, and King video games, we would like you to know that immediately is an efficient day to play. You’re the coronary heart and soul of those franchises, and we’re honored to have you ever as a part of our neighborhood. Whether or not you play on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC or cell, you might be welcome right here – and can stay welcome, even when Xbox isn’t the place you play your favourite franchise. As a result of when everybody performs, all of us win. We imagine our information immediately will unlock a world of potentialities for extra methods to play. Thanks for the continued help. We now have a lot extra to return within the months forward – I’m excited for the long run and can’t wait to share it with you.
On the identical time, in an electronic mail to Activision workers, CEO Bobby Kotick says he’ll keep on by means of the tip of the yr to assist guarantee a clean transition:
I’ve lengthy stated that I’m totally dedicated to serving to with the transition. Phil has requested me to remain on as CEO of ABK, reporting to him, and we’ve got agreed that I’ll try this by means of the tip of 2023. We each look ahead to working collectively on a clean integration for our groups and gamers.
