EU Antitrust Regulators Approve Microsoft’s $69 Billion Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

The European Union’s antitrust regulators have approved Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the maker of popular video game franchises such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.

The deal, which was first announced in January 2022, will make Microsoft the third-largest gaming company in the world, behind Sony and Tencent. The European Commission said it approved the deal after Microsoft agreed to a number of concessions, including:

• A commitment to allow users to access Activision Blizzard games on competing platforms.
• A commitment to not raise prices for Activision Blizzard games or services.
• A commitment to not discriminate against competing game developers.

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a major coup for Microsoft, as it will give the company access to a number of popular franchises, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Diablo. The deal is also a sign of Microsoft’s ambitions in the gaming industry, as it looks to compete with Sony and Tencent.

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard is not without its critics, who worry that it will give Microsoft too much power in the gaming industry. However, Microsoft has said that it will use its position to invest in new gaming technologies and to make gaming more accessible to everyone.

7 things you need to know about the acquisition

1. The deal is worth $69 billion, making it the largest acquisition in the history of the gaming industry.
2. Microsoft will acquire Activision Blizzard’s entire portfolio of games, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Diablo.
3. The deal is expected to close in 2023.
4. Microsoft has said that it will keep Activision Blizzard’s headquarters in California and that it will continue to operate the company as a separate business unit.
5. The acquisition is expected to create more than 3,000 new jobs.
6. Some people are concerned that the acquisition will give Microsoft too much power in the gaming industry.
7. Others are excited about the potential for the acquisition to lead to new and innovative gaming experiences.

5 ways the acquisition could change the gaming industry

• The acquisition could lead to more exclusive games being available on Xbox consoles.
• It could also lead to higher prices for games and game services.
• However, the acquisition could also lead to more investment in new gaming technologies and experiences.
• It could also make gaming more accessible to people who cannot afford to buy a console or gaming PC.
• Overall, the impact of the acquisition on the gaming industry is still uncertain.

4 things gamers should be excited about

• The acquisition could lead to more cross-platform play between Xbox and PlayStation games.
• It could also lead to more new games being released for both consoles.
• Additionally, the acquisition could lead to more investment in esports and other competitive gaming.
• Overall, the acquisition is a positive development for gamers, as it will give them access to more games and experiences.

4 things gamers should be concerned about

• The acquisition could lead to higher prices for games and game services.
• It could also lead to less competition in the gaming industry, which could lead to lower quality games.
• Additionally, the acquisition could lead to Microsoft using its market power to stifle innovation in the gaming industry.
• Overall, the acquisition is a mixed bag for gamers, as it has both potential benefits and drawbacks.

6 things you can do to prepare for the acquisition

• Start saving up for an Xbox console or gaming PC.
• Keep an eye on the news for updates on the acquisition.
• Be prepared to pay more for games and game services.
• Support independent game developers.
• Get involved in the esports community.
• Most importantly, stay positive and excited about the future of gaming!

6 quotes from people in the gaming industry about the acquisition

1. “This is a huge win for gamers,” said Phil Spencer, CEO of Xbox. “This acquisition will allow us to bring even more great games to our fans.”
2. “This is a sad day for the gaming industry,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, former CEO of Nintendo of America. “This acquisition will give Microsoft too much power and could lead to higher prices for games and game services.”
3. “This is a historic moment for the gaming industry,” said Gabe Newell, CEO of Valve. “This acquisition could lead to some exciting new gaming experiences.”
4. “We are still evaluating the acquisition,” said Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan. “We will continue to focus on providing the best possible gaming experiences for our fans.”
5. “This is a big deal for the gaming industry,” said Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games. “We will continue to fight for a fair and competitive gaming industry.”
6. “This is a positive development for gamers,” said esports commentator and analyst Geoff Keighley. “This acquisition could lead to more investment in esports and other competitive gaming.”

7 things you should know about the future of gaming

1. The gaming industry is growing rapidly.
2. Cloud gaming is becoming more popular.
3. Esports is becoming a mainstream sport.
4. Virtual reality and augmented reality are becoming more immersive.
5. Gaming is becoming more social.
6. Gaming is becoming more accessible.
7. The future of gaming is bright!

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EU Antitrust Regulators Approve Microsoft’s $69 Billion Acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

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