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'
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Microsoft
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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
Asha Sharma
EVP and CEO of Microsoft Gaming
Miguel Vicente
Audience Marketing Manager, Portugal
Andy Lunique
Influencer Relations Manager
Agostino Simonetta
Director for global partnership management ID@Xbox
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Accolades
Articles featuring Microsoft
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
Twitter Top Ten
Mobile leads Twitter's most discussed games conversations in 2022
Seven of the top 10 most discussed games on the platform are mobile titles, including Genshin Impact and Ensemble Stars!
No Homers Club
Metaverse giants create standards forum – with considerable absences
Meta, Microsoft, and other tech giants have formed a group to foster compatibility in the metaverse, so far without the presence of Apple, Roblox, and others
Party Like It’s 2009-2011
Minecraft is Angry Bird’s latest official collaboration
DLC created by Oreville Studios
Improved Experience
Xbox Cloud Gaming increased performance for iOS devices
Led to 35% increase in average play times
Microsoft Manoeuvres
Microsoft announces suspension of new sales in Russia
Protecting Ukraine’s cybersecurity
Calling On Developers
Ukraine appeals to games industry to close Russian studios
Apple, Google, Riot, Wargaming, and Gameloft among mobile entities approached
Adios Achievements
Microsoft to switch off Xbox Live services on Windows Phones in May
Achievements and cloud saves will discontinue from May 16 2022
King Of Acquisitions
The PocketGamer.biz View: Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard
The true jewel in the crown is King
Microsoft Monopolises
Microsoft: mobile gaming key to Activision Blizzard acquisition
Firm puts mobile at the forefront of the acquisition
Deep Breaths
Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard for almost $70 billion cash
Aims to bring its franchises to players "virtually anywhere"
No Agreement Reached
Microsoft negotiated to bring Xbox triple-A games to Apple App Store
2020 emails reveal streaming tech and IAP discussions
Google Gaming
Google Play Games is on its way to Windows
Planned for 2022 release
Mobile Master Chief
20% of Xbox Cloud Gaming subscribers use touch controls exclusively
Games include Hades, Scarlet Nexus, Dragon Quest XI and more
Representation
Microsoft joins Take-Two as a Gerald A. Lawson Fund contributor
Looks to increase support for Black and indigenous students in the games industry
Let Them Mine
Minecraft becomes adults-only in South Korea
Restrictions will see those under 19 unable to access the game
New Datacenters
Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available on iOS devices
"Today marks a key milestone in our journey…"
Open Windows
Windows 11 to support Android apps via Amazon Appstore
Tech uses Intel Bridge
No Deal
Discord considers IPO as Microsoft talks end
Company is apparently interested in going public in the future
In The Clouds
Microsoft rolls out Xbox Cloud Gaming beta for iOS
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