What continues to be an ongoing story follows the news shattering discovery this week: Microsoft is intending to acquire the entirety of video game conglomerate Activision Blizzard for more than $68 billion. While the deal is still in its infancy and to remain as such until well into fiscal year 2023, bigger questions are left hanging above the heads of many watching the event go down.
For one, is standing CEO Bobby Kotich to be canned as a result? While it is still uncertain as of reporting, The Wall Street Journal reported that the executive is on the way out as a result of the deal. Although uncertain, the company through internal whispers to the publication has said that both Microsoft & Activision Blizzard agreed to relinquish Kotich from the firm upon the completion of the acquisition.
Additionally, the other elephant in the room is how will exclusivity be dished out for the new purchase by Microsoft? Looking at the juggernauts, many are to assume that Call of Duty is one that the Xbox firm is to rip from other console players. But, nothing has been determined. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer said to Bloomberg: “I’ll just say to players out there who are playing Activision Blizzard games on Sony’s platform: It’s not our intent to pull communities away from that platform and we remained committed to that.”
However, looking at the established welcome of Bethesda to Xbox, that is not the case. Already we witnessed Starfield & The Elder Scrolls VI cemented to be unique to Xbox moving forward. Howbeit, the argument can also be said that there is similarity for the Activision Blizzard acquisition as well leaving new releases on a “case-by-case” basis.
In a statement from Sony on Thursday, the firm speaking to Bloomberg cites Microsoft is expected to honor its contractual deal with Activision. “We expect that Microsoft will abide by contractual agreements and continue to ensure Activision games are multiplatform.” Already, Microsoft confirmed to be holding true to its word with arrangements between Sony & Bethesda previously.
As per gamesindustry.biz, Activision Blizzard comment on the statement. “As with Microsoft’s acquisition of Minecraft, we have no intent to remove any content from platforms where it exists today.” Even more is that Spencer in a tweet on Twitter also address concerns for how Microsoft will approach the arrangement for its new purchase.
“Had good calls this week with leaders at Sony. I confirmed our intent to honor all existing agreements upon acquisition of Activision Blizzard and our desire to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation. Sony is an important part of our industry, and we value our relationship.” Are you reassured by the updates on the latest acquisition?
Source: Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, gamesindustry.biz
