(Microsoft) Microsoft is close to reaching a deal to acquire Activision, the video game maker behind the “Call of Duty” franchise, the company’s largest-ever takeover.
The acquisition will accelerate the growth in Microsoft’s gaming business across mobile, PC, console, and cloud and offer fundamental blocks for the metaverse.
Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft, stated that gaming is the most dynamic and exciting category in entertainment across all platforms and will play a critical role in the development of metaverse platforms.
As part of the takeover, Phil Spencer will remain as the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, with Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who has been embroiled in ongoing sexual harassment lawsuits to remain as CEO of Activision Blizzard.
Upon the closure of the deal, Microsoft will become the world’s third-largest company by revenue, only behind Tencent and Sony.
The planned acquisition includes iconic franchises from the Activision, Blizzard, and King studios like Call of Duty, Warcraft, Overwatch, and Candy Crush.
MSFT up +1.77%
