For subscribers
Microsoft sets off new content wars in gaming
Its US$75 billion (S$101 billion) bet on Activision Blizzard comes as rivals jostle for position in the metaverse. Control of popular games like Candy Crush gives Microsoft new markets and opportunities to build a Netflix for gaming.
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Activision Blizzard’s stable of games include Call of Duty.
PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
Richard Waters
Follow topic:
(FINANCIAL TIMES) - If the path to the metaverse runs through today's video games industry, then Microsoft's agreed US$75 billion (S$101 billion) acquisition of Activision Blizzard could turn out to be one of the defining deals for the next era of consumer technology.
The all-cash purchase, announced on Tuesday, landed like a bomb in the video games world. By bringing about 30 games studios under one roof, "the implications of this deal will send shockwaves throughout the industry", said Mr Piers Harding-Rolls, a games analyst at Ampere Analysis.
