Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard for video games for $ 68.7 billion

Microsoft Inc said Tuesday that it will acquire Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard for $ 68.7 billion in cash, the biggest deal in the games industry, making the Xbox owner the third-largest games company by revenue. Microsoft's offering was $ 95 per share, up 45% from Activision's close on Friday. Activision's stock was trading at around $ 89.55 before official trading began. "Games are the most active and exciting category in entertainment across all platforms today and will play a key role in the development of Metaverse platforms," ​​Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement. The demand for video games increased during the Corona pandemic, with consumers forced during isolation and closure procedures to play more fun games alone. Activision's game library, which includes Call of Duty and Overwatch, also gives Xbox, Microsoft's gaming platform, an edge over Sony's PlayStation, which has been blessed with a torrent of exclusive games for years. Bobby Kotik will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard under the acquisition agreement. viber Rival game company Take-Two Interactive said last week that it will buy FarmVille maker Zynga for $ 11.04 billion in cash and stock.