Microsoft has successfully completed its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard after receiving approval from Britain’s regulatory authorities.

This massive deal solidifies Microsoft’s position in the gaming industry and sets the stage for significant expansion in the metaverse and gaming content creation.

The acquisition, first announced in January 2021, faced rigorous scrutiny from regulators around the world due to concerns about its potential impact on competition. After obtaining approvals from various jurisdictions, Microsoft awaited the final green light from Britain, which came through recently.

This acquisition brings some of the most renowned gaming franchises under Microsoft’s umbrella, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch. With these popular titles now in their portfolio, Microsoft can further enhance its Xbox Game Pass subscription service and strengthen its position in the console gaming market.

The metaverse is another area where Microsoft aims to make a substantial impact. With Activision’s expertise in creating immersive virtual worlds, Microsoft is well-positioned to explore opportunities in the evolving metaverse space, potentially rivaling companies like Meta (formerly Facebook) and Roblox.

With the deal closed, Microsoft’s focus will shift to integrating Activision into its existing gaming division and leveraging the creative talent within the company to produce new and exciting content for gamers worldwide. Gamers can expect to see exciting collaborations, updates to beloved franchises, and potentially new immersive experiences in the coming years.