Phil Spencer Interview
Xbox's Phil Spencer talks Microsoft's moves on mobile, plus Activision Blizzard and AI
“What we realised, and it’s painfully obvious, is that we don’t really have any capability on mobile”
Company Profile
Microsoft
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www.microsoft.com
About
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services, and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
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Satya Nadella
CEO
Brad Smith
President
Agostino Simonetta
Director for global partnership management ID@Xbox
Miguel Vicente
Audience Marketing Manager, Portugal
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Accolades
Articles featuring Microsoft
Acquivision Blizzard
Microsoft signs deals with Nvidia for Call of Duty on GeForce Now
The company announced the deal at a press briefing to discuss its acquisition of Activision Blizzard
Aquiblizz
Microsoft signs ten-year deal with Nintendo for Call of Duty
The agreement, announced by Microsoft's Brad Smith, will see the company commit to providing the game on Nintendo’s platforms
Gaming In India
Xbox aiming to bridge the mobile-console gap in India
Microsoft’s gaming arm is hoping to capitalise on both India’s thriving mobile industry and nascent console scene
A Blizzard Of Accusations
Bobby Kotick, Microsoft, and Sony clash over Activision Blizzard acquisition
Activision Blizzard CEO Kotick is accusing Sony of sabotaging the Microsoft deal, while Sony is accusing Microsoft of harassment
Views Week
Week in Views - What caught our editorial eyes in the last seven days
The Pocketgamer.biz team take their pick of this weeks big news to talk big games moving to mobile, big money being made, and big trouble for some big names
Drake Star Report
The top ten gaming industry deals of 2022
We break down the biggest acquisitions of 2022, as reported by Drake Star
Aquiblizz
UK Competitions & Markets Authority rumoured to block Activision Blizzard acquisition
According to sources, Microsoft are actively anticipating a possible block on the Activision-Blizzard acquisition by the UK CMA
Acquivision Blizzard
EU issues Microsoft with antitrust warning
The commission is the latest to take formal steps against the tech giant’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard
Trends 2023
Mobile Games Industry Trends 2023: Revenue models
MobileGroove's Peggy Anne Salz looks at the hottest new ways to monetise games, from subscription models to independent game stores
Drake Star Review
Who were 2022's most strategic gaming investors?
Drake Star breaks down last year’s top gaming acquisitions. Who spent the smartest money in 2022? Find out here
2023 Predictions
Drake Star releases its predictions for 2023 in gaming
Look ahead to a year of consolidation and diversification
Acquivision Blizzard
Google and Nvidia chime in on Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard
The companies have expressed their concerns in the deal
Acquivision Blizzard
Microsoft and Activision Blizzard predicted to miss contractual merger deadline
The FTC hearing for the case is scheduled for after the deal is due to close
Acquivision Blizzard
CMA extends the deadline for Microsoft / Activision-Blizzard investigation
The group requires more time to decide if the UK should approve the deal
Aiming For Acquisition Approval
The list of nations approving Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition grows
Among the approving nations are Brazil, Serbia and Chile
Ftc Vs Microsoft
Are the FTC and Microsoft talks at a standstill?
The FTC have sued to block Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, but no “substantive” settlement talks are underway
2022 Highlights
2022 In Review – November’s Best Bits
As the year draws to a close, we take a look back with our pick of the stories that shaped the last twelve months. Let's look back to November
2022 Highlights
BIG Stories of 2022 - How the massive Microsoft/Activision-Blizzard gaming acquisition came under fire
The acquisition may have been largely due to Activision Blizzard’s mobile offerings, but one franchise in particular prompted Sony to intervene
Acquivision Blizzard
Microsoft hits back at FTC's Activision-Blizzard block
Microsoft has called the lawsuit filed by the FTC attempting to block their Activision-Blizzard takeover 'unconstitutional'
Acquiblizz
Phil Spencer on the mobile potential of the Activision-Blizzard acquisition
Spencer explained the move in more detail in an interview with the Second Request Podcast.
Acquisitions
EU Commission argues against FTC lawsuit to halt Activision-Blizzard deal
The EU commission has released a statement criticising the FTC’s decision, which may open up the path in Europe at least for the acquisition
Acquivision Blizzard
FTC vote to sue to block Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard
The Acquisition has faced criticism for its possible effect on competitor PlayStation
Mobile Moves
PlayStation Mobile team continues hiring spree
Veterans of Kabam, Apple, Meta and Niantic are among the team members fleshing out PlayStation's ever-expanding mobile department
Aquivision Blizzard
FTC rift signals fresh hope for Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard in America
The board is expected to make its recommendations regarding the deal by mid-December
Week In Views
Week in Views - What caught our editorial eyes in the last seven days
The PocketGamer.biz team give their take on what happens when a game dies and why the UK is so behind on games funding?
Rumour
FTC rumoured to block Activision-Blizzard acquisition deal
The hotly anticipated acquisition of Activision-Blizzard may face another hurdle as outlet Politico reports on rumours the FTC may see to block the deal
Chinese Market
Microsoft and Sony attempt to woo China's mobile devs with new investments
Mobile is king of China’s games space, but Microsoft and Sony are seeking to hoover up games and talent
Statements
Phil Spencer says Activision-Blizzard deal is primarily about mobile gaming
In an appearance on the The Verge’s Decoder podcast, Xbox boss Phil Spencer spoke extensively about the state of Microsoft’s endeavours in mobile
Analysis
Satya Nadella hints at more cross-platform investment so users can 'play everywhere'
CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella commented on their intention to push for cross-platform play and argued in favour of the deal
Streaming Singularity
Netflix, Apple, Microsoft and now Samsung are all backing streaming, the inevitable future of gaming
As multi-use mediums such as TVs and mobile phones include more subscription services, what does this mean for consoles?
Views Week
Week in Views - What caught our editorial eyes in the last seven days
The PocketGamer.biz team reflect on a week of staggering statistics and feisty financials
Acquivision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick on the future of the Microsoft Acquisition
“Being a part of Microsoft will help us better realise our ambitions”
A Call Of Duty To Competitors?
Is Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in trouble?
The biggest deal in gaming history has faced steep criticism from regulators and competitors
Mobile Dominance
The world’s top 10 game companies made $126 billion in 2021 from software, with mobile leading the charge
Tencent came out on top with $33 billion, three quarters of which came from mobile
Drake Star Report
2022 has seen 976 deals, with Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard topping the charts
Drake Star analyses the gaming markets in its Global Gaming Industry Report
News
Microsoft intends to create its own 'next generation game store' for mobile according to CMA filing
In filing a response to the Competition and Markets Authority recommendations, Microsoft has revealed that they intend to create a “Next generation game store” for various platforms including mobile.
Microsoft X Activision Blizzard
The storm blows on - CMA still intent on investigating Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard
The UK regulator doubled down on plans to scrutinise the planned acquisition before approval
Subscription Spending
Xbox Game Pass earned almost $3 billion revenue on consoles in 2021
Service more than doubled Nintendo’s subscription earnings for the same period
Microsoft X Activision Blizzard
Take-Two CEO positive about Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Acquisition
Strauss Zelnick believes the deal will enrich the gaming industry
Activision Blizzard Acquisition
Strength of Mobile division key to Activision Blizzard Acquisition
Microsoft’s Phil Spencer identified the company’s strength on mobile platforms as a prime reason for the acquisition
Microsoft Merger
Microsoft launch pro-merger website for Activision Blizzard bid
The merger is being challenged by competitor Sony
Microsoft Activision Deal
EU antitrust regulators set a date regarding Microsoft's acquisition of Activision
The investigation will conclude in November but if concerns are raised an extended phase could begin
Microsoft And Activision
Microsoft CEO confident about the Activision Blizzard Acquisition
“We feel very, very confident that we’ll come out.”
Trouble For Microsoft?
UK competition regulator calls for review of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard
The regulator claims the deal could “harm rivals”
Microsoft Acquisition
Phil Spencer: "I'm always thinking about things that add to our capability"
Microsoft Gaming's CEO discussed the Activision Blizzard acquisition with Bloomberg
Industry Report
71% of H1 2022's total deal value came from just 5 deals
A new report breaks down the biggest deals, acquisitions, and mergers of the first half of 2022
Big Business
Saudi Arabia approves Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard
The Middle Eastern country is the first to recognize the acquisition
Ten Years Of Clash Of Clans
Ilkka Paananen: We haven’t seen an opportunity for NFTs to truly, truly make the experience better
The Supercell CEO spoke to Fast Company about development, longevity, and NFT’s
The Power Of Partners
Netflix and Microsoft partner for new subscription plan
The ad-supported Netflix subscription plan aims to provide "more options" to consumers