Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Is Now Official

A Significant Deal in the Gaming Industry Comes to Fruition

The long-anticipated acquisition of gaming powerhouse Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has reached its final chapter. Microsoft initially revealed its intention to acquire the renowned gaming company on January 18, 2022, and now, the deal has been successfully concluded.

This announcement follows the approval of the proposed acquisition by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Microsoft made an important adjustment to the deal by relinquishing cloud rights to Activision Blizzard’s portfolio, which were subsequently transferred to Ubisoft. With the CMA’s endorsement, the deal has now been sealed.

So, what does this mean for Nintendo Switch owners? Back in 2022, Microsoft had announced a 10-year agreement with Nintendo to bring the Call of Duty franchise to Nintendo’s platforms, contingent on the acquisition’s approval. Call of Duty had been a significant point of contention for regulators and a subject of considerable discussion among industry leaders, particularly at Sony. Now that the deal is officially completed, it’s reasonable to expect that Call of Duty will find its way to a Nintendo platform in the future, most likely on Nintendo’s upcoming console.

There has also been curiosity about the fate of Activision Blizzard’s CEO, Bobby Kotick, in light of the acquisition. In an email addressed to all Activision Blizzard employees, Kotick confirmed that Phil Spencer has requested him to continue as CEO until the end of 2023, expressing the intention to collaborate closely on the integration of their teams and players. While it remains uncertain whether this implies Kotick’s departure in 2024, the possibility is hinted at.

This acquisition marks a significant development in the gaming industry, setting the stage for potential changes and collaborations in the gaming world.

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