The largest news to come out of the gaming industry as of late is that Microsoft purchased Activision-Blizzard. Microsoft, and specifically its Xbox Gaming division, is continuing its trend of purchasing large game developers, such as 'Mojang,' the studio behind 'Minecraft,' and 'Bethesda,' the studio behind 'Skyrim.' Activision-Blizzard, though, is one of the largest game publishers in the world, as the joint studio is responsible for titles such as 'Call of Duty' and 'World of Warcraft.'
This acquisition means that Activision-Blizzard and its long list of intellectual property will now be in control primarily by Xbox, which could point to more exclusive titles, more perks for Xbox and PC owners, the integration of Activision-Blizzard games into Xbox's 'GamePass' service, and new first-party AAA titles being made in collaboration between the two studios. With this acquisition, Microsoft's Xbox Gaming division is now the third-largest gaming company in the world, falling behind only Sony and Tencent.
Large Gaming Company Acquisitions
Microsoft Has Purchased Activision-Blizzard for $69 Billion
Trend Themes
1. Consolidation in Gaming Industry - The acquisition of large game developers by big companies is becoming more common, leading to a consolidation in the gaming industry, creating potential opportunities for innovative disruption within these big companies.
2. Exclusive Gaming Titles - The acquisition of large game developers can mean more exclusive titles and opportunities to create new first-party AAA games that enhance the gaming experience, leading to potential innovative disruption in gaming titles.
3. Integration of Games Into Subscription Services - Acquiring large game developers can lead to the integration of popular games into subscription services, increasing the value of those services to the consumer and creating potential for innovative disruption in the subscription service industry.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming Industry - an industry that experiences frequent acquisitions of large game developers, creating potential opportunities for innovative disruption within these companies.
2. Entertainment Industry - an industry that could see potential innovation in exclusive gaming titles and game integration within subscription services.
3. Technology Industry - an industry that could see potential innovation in the integration of gaming technology and software in subscription services.