During an Xbox event titled “What’s Next For Gaming,” Phil Spencer, CEO of Xbox Game Studios, reassured attendees that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard would proceed despite the current hurdles. The acquisition, which has faced opposition from the UK’s Competition and Market Authority and awaits approval from the US FTC, remains a priority for Microsoft.
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer
Spencer expressed Microsoft’s commitment to working with regulators to address their concerns. He highlighted the company’s successful resolution of issues with the European Commission and remained confident that similar solutions would be found in other areas. Despite the challenges and the time-consuming nature of the process, Spencer remained unwavering in his enthusiasm for the acquisition.
The proposed Microsoft-Activision acquisition — announced 18 months ago — garnered significant attention and set new records in the gaming, finance, and media industries. If approved, it would rank as one of the largest acquisitions of a media corporation in history, rivaling Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in terms of financial magnitude. In the gaming realm, it would be an unprecedented acquisition, dwarfing any previous deals.
Microsoft Determined to Acquire Activision Blizzard
While Spencer’s optimism is steadfast, he is not alone in his belief. Gaming industry analysts also acknowledged the potential for the deal to be approved. Apparently, there is a possibility, greater than zero but less than half, of regulatory approval. Speculation arose that Microsoft might consider withdrawing Activision from the UK market to bypass regulatory concerns, a move similar to Blizzard’s existing arrangement in China. However, Uerkwitz emphasized that such a step may not be necessary and is not necessarily Microsoft’s preferred course of action.
Ultimately, Phil Spencer’s vision extends beyond the acquisition itself. This year’s Xbox showcase emphasized Microsoft’s ambition to solidify its position as a dominant force in PC game publishing. By staying on track with its plans, Microsoft aims to become the game publishing giant it has always aspired to be, aligning with Spencer’s long-term strategy.