Microsoft has successfully completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the deal valued at USD 68.7 billion. This significant move came to success following the green light from UK authorities, building on the FTC’s nod of approval from July. This acquisition gives Microsoft to be a dominant force in the global gaming sector.
The deal’s completion also places iconic game titles like Call of Duty under Ubisoft’s umbrella. As Microsoft positions itself as a major contender in the gaming world, the landscape of popular games and their distribution is bound to undergo transformative changes.
Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming and a passionate gamer himself, expressed admiration for the monumental contributions of Activision Blizzard and its subsidiary, King, to the realms of gaming and pop culture. He highlighted the massive global engagement with games such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and the ever-popular Candy Crush Saga.
Ubisoft, already a significant entity in the rapidly evolving cloud gaming domain, now boasts perpetual cloud streaming rights for an array of Activision Blizzard games. Gamers in the European Economic Area, encompassing EU nations, can now effortlessly stream these renowned titles. Outside of the EEA, Ubisoft oversees these cloud streaming rights, and there’s a high possibility they’ll grant licenses to Microsoft for Xbox Cloud Gaming, especially considering Microsoft’s willingness to remunerate a bulk fee for these rights.
A particularly exciting development for gamers is the inclusion of Activision Blizzard games in Ubisoft Plus, Ubisoft’s premium game subscription platform. While the exact timeframe for this integration remains ambiguous, Ubisoft’s control over these licenses is assured for an impressive span of 15 years.
Ubisoft’s endeavours are a testament to the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry, mirroring the ease and ubiquity of music and film streaming.
Bobby Kotick, Activision Blizzard’s esteemed CEO, sent a heartfelt message to his team:
“Today signifies a pivotal chapter in our illustrious journey. Merging with Microsoft introduces unparalleled opportunities and resources to our remarkable global teams. This move amplifies our capacity to bring unparalleled joy, fun, and connectivity to a broader spectrum of players. This monumental occasion is a testament to your relentless drive over the past forty years to innovate and achieve excellence.”
Additionally, Chris Early, Ubisoft’s SVP of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development, conveyed:
“By securing these rights, Ubisoft not only brings titles like Call of Duty to Ubisoft+ but also broadens game access across various streaming platforms. This signifies our commitment to amplifying accessibility for a larger player base.”
In essence, this acquisition heralds a promising era of enriched gaming experiences, fortified by Microsoft’s vision and Ubisoft’s pioneering initiatives in cloud gaming.
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