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Microsoft Buys Troubled Video Game Producer Activision Blizzard and Sparks Debate on Twitter

January 18, 2022

Announced today, the struggling video game publishing company Activision Blizzard was bought by Microsoft for a staggering 68.7 billion, sparking an interesting conversation from Twitter. Activision, who was responsible for popular video games like Call of Duty and Overwatch, had recently been struggling despite popular success as they were sued in July by California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing due to multiple allegations surrounding sexual harassment and gender discrimination.

Twitter’s reaction 

After this was announced earlier this morning, many were immediately surprised that such a deal was achieved even with the allegations of Activision Blizzard. Interestingly, if the price is true, it makes this deal the biggest acquisition from Microsoft.

BREAKING: Microsoft is acquiring Activision for $68.7 billion. The deal will see many of Activision Blizzard games heading to Xbox Game Pass. Details here: https://t.co/tkHUQKcAkv pic.twitter.com/ZcDwj90VVu

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) January 18, 2022

According to Microsoft, the closing of this deal would make them the third-largest gaming company from revenue and beats when Microsoft bought LinkedIn in 2016, where the deal was 26.3 billion. And although the CEO of Activision, Bobby Kotick, has been asked repeatedly to step down from employees, it was announced he would remain the CEO, but the team would report to the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer.

when Microsoft purges Bobby Kotick from the industry but consolidates industry publishing power in an unhealthy monopolistic way pic.twitter.com/7cKmBmS6ZC

— Paul Tassi (@PaulTassi) January 18, 2022

This garnered mixed reactions, as some were happy to hear that it sounded like Kotick would not be involved with the company. However, some were still worried that this deal seemed too close to Microsoft having a monopoly, concerning some on the ethics. Either way, Kotick’s position did not seem to be clear from Microsoft’s post, seeming like it could go either way. Some journalists, however, were able to hear from employees with Activision Blizzard, who reportedly was excited about new management, but felt as if Kotick was given an easy way out of the situation.

Some sentiments I’ve heard from Activision Blizzard employees today:

– Optimism about management changes and the positive culture at several Xbox-owned studios

– Fury toward Microsoft for giving Bobby Kotick a big payday and soft exit

– Determination to keep organizing

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) January 18, 2022

Candy Crush also began to trend along with Microsoft or Call of Duty, as people began to look onto the fact that many games known worldwide would all be owned by the same person. Others joked about how they always wanted to play Candy Crush on the big screen, and now they can!

Xbox owns Fallout, Halo, The Elder Scrolls, Call of Duty, Warcraft, Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, Minecraft, Gears, Diablo, Overwatch, Candy Crush, Doom, Fable, Wolfenstein, Forza, Your Mom, Your Dad, Your Grandma, Your Brother, Your Sister, Your Best Friend, Your Best Friends Friend. pic.twitter.com/4YjVWBXjn6

— Michael (@LegacyKillaHD) January 18, 2022

What does the $70 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard buy Xbox?

– Call of Duty

– World of Warcraft

– Overwatch

– Diablo

– Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

– Spyro

– Crash Bandicoot

– StarCraft

– Guitar Hero

– Hearthstone

– Candy Crush

 pic.twitter.com/L1UxgJSKP5

— TmarTn (@TmarTn) January 18, 2022

Overall, it was a big day for those involved in video games, as it opened a discussion surrounding the ethics of Microsoft owning so many games, but also being excited for it if it means employees might have a better and safer place to work for.