Microsoft Merger Successfully Finalized - Bobby Kotick to Remain Until 2023

As of around 9am Eastern time, the $68.7 billion sale of Activision Blizzard to Microsoft has officially closed, marking the end of a 21-month struggle with regulators and the largest tech acquisition in history! Alongside this monumental news, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick released a heartfelt message to employees, celebrating their hard work and the remarkable growth of the company under his leadership for over three decades. Let's delve into the details of this groundbreaking acquisition and what it means for the future of gaming.

Activision Blizzard's Rich History

When Brian Kelly and Bobby Kotick embarked on their journey in 1991, their vision was to build a company that would have a profound impact and lasting value. Throughout the years, Activision Blizzard has achieved extraordinary success, developing and publishing iconic games that have captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. From the pioneering days of Pitfall, River Raid, and Kaboom in the 1980s to the world-unifying online multiplayer games like MechWarrior, Warcraft, and StarCraft in the 1990s, Activision Blizzard has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. The introduction of Call of Duty in the 2000s turned it into one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history. Other games like Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater made indelible marks in popular culture. In the last decade, Candy Crush Saga became a global phenomenon with over five billion downloads and contributed to a fifty percent female player base.

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard: A Powerful Partnership

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft signifies a monumental partnership in the gaming industry. Combining their forces will bring new resources, opportunities, and fun-filled experiences to players across the globe. Activision Blizzard's exceptional teams, fueled by Microsoft's support, will undoubtedly create even more engaging and immersive games that transcend platforms and connect players like never before.

• The Transition Period

In his message to employees, Bobby Kotick emphasized his commitment to the transition period. He will continue as the CEO of ABK (Activision Blizzard), reporting to Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, until the end of 2023. This period of collaboration will ensure a seamless integration of the teams and players from both companies, setting the stage for a bright future.

Brian and Bobby expressed their excitement about the next chapter for ABK, as they join forces with one of the most successful global companies. The new partnership presents unprecedented opportunities to connect the world through their games, and together, they will undoubtedly achieve great things.

Microsoft's Message: Embracing the Future

Head of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, echoed the excitement surrounding the acquisition in his own message to Microsoft employees. He celebrated the completion of the record-breaking sale and expressed enthusiasm about the boundless potential this partnership holds for the future of gaming. The union of Activision Blizzard and Microsoft is a significant step toward co-creating the future of interactive entertainment experiences.

• Thank You, Gaming Community

Activision Blizzard's success has always been driven by their incredible gaming community. In a heartfelt message to all the players who have joined them on this incredible journey, Activision Blizzard expressed their gratitude for their unwavering support. They stressed that everything they do is for their players, and they can't wait to embark on the next adventure together.

Final Thoughts

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft marks a significant milestone in the gaming industry. It brings together two powerhouses, each with their own impressive franchises and legacies, to create an even more exceptional gaming experience for players worldwide. The future looks bright and brimming with boundless possibilities as Activision Blizzard and Microsoft take the gaming world by storm. In the meantime, you can take by storm the content of WoW with the help of WowCarry, check it out here. See you in the future post, adventurers!