After many months of legal challenges from across the globe, it is now official that one of the biggest mergers in the video game industry is happening. As Microsoft completes its purchase of Activision Blizzard and King, changes are already being announced. Even as Xbox boss Phil Spencer took to unveil news of the merger Activision CEO Bobby Kotick simultaneously announced the new chapter, including his departure from the company by the end of 2023. Kotick will remain on board to assist with the integration into Xbox. Meanwhile, Microsoft has already prepared its own welcome to Xbox trailer for the monumental event.
Per Phil Spencer (via Xbox):
“I’ve long admired the work of Activision, Blizzard, and King, and the impact they’ve had on gaming, entertainment, and pop culture. Whether it was late nights spent playing the Diablo IV campaign with friends from start to finish, gathering the entire family in the rec room for our weekly Guitar Hero night, or going on an epic streak in Candy Crush, some of my most memorable gaming moments came from experiences their studios have created. It is incredible to welcome such legendary teams to Xbox.”
Per Bobby Kotick (via Activision Blizzard):
“I have long said that I am fully committed to helping with the transition. Phil has asked me to stay on as CEO of ABK, reporting to him, and we have agreed that I will do that through the end of 2023. We both look forward to working together on a smooth integration for our teams and players.”
Even as Microsoft completes its purchase of ABK it should come as no surprise, despite the many legal hurdles it had to overcome in the US and UK, it wouldn’t let this deal fail without a fight. Between seeking government regulatory approval to claims by Sony regarding the Call of Duty franchise becoming an Xbox exclusive and then making concessions to appease the powers that be, Microsoft has made it clear that it would stay the course to get the deal done.