Recent updates suggest that Microsoft’s attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard may finally be successful. Despite facing opposition from the American Federal Trade Commission for over a year, progress on the deal has taken a positive turn. The companies involved now appear to be on track for closure, with the deal moving forward.
Notably, Sony has also signed a Call of Duty deal with Microsoft, marking a significant development after a prolonged period of legal negotiations. With most of the major legal and commercial obstacles seemingly cleared, the acquisition is expected to proceed, pending any unforeseen developments in the near future. Should the deal go through, Microsoft’s ownership of Activision Blizzard would provide a substantial boost to Xbox, granting them access to a wide range of valuable intellectual properties.
Based on the terms of the contract, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard are required to finalize their deal by Tuesday, July 18. If they fail to do so, Microsoft would be obligated to pay a $3 billion fee to Activision Blizzard, unless both parties agree to extend the deadline due to antitrust concerns. The current trajectory suggests that the deal is progressing rapidly towards completion.
Recent positive developments include a federal judge’s decision to prevent the FTC from blocking the acquisition and Sony’s involvement, indicating a growing acceptance of Microsoft’s ownership of Activision Blizzard. While the deal is not yet fully certain, these favorable circumstances increase the likelihood of its successful conclusion.
Sony’s concern regarding the Call of Duty franchise and its availability on PlayStation consoles seems to have been addressed. The existing decade-long deal between Sony and Call of Duty ensures that the franchise will continue to be supported on PlayStation platforms. This aligns with Microsoft’s previous assurances that they intend to maintain Call of Duty’s presence on PlayStation.
It is in Microsoft’s best interest to keep the franchise available on multiple gaming platforms, including PlayStation, as it generates significant revenue for Activision. Microsoft’s recent statement criticizing the decision to remove Call of Duty from Steam suggests that they are committed to avoiding exclusivity and are unlikely to restrict the franchise to a single gaming ecosystem in the near future.
The potential acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has indeed sparked renewed discussions and debates among gamers, fueling the ongoing rivalry between gaming platforms. The prospect of Microsoft gaining control over such a major publisher has undoubtedly intensified the competition among console enthusiasts. As Microsoft’s influence grows with the inclusion of Activision Blizzard, it sets the stage for an exciting battle between gaming platforms. The outcome of this “war” will be closely watched by gaming communities worldwide.
