News

Think Netflix – for gaming: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard

Published

4 years ago

January 19, 2022

In a move that is sending shockwaves throughout the gaming space, Microsoft has laid plans to purchase the video game development studio: Activision Blizzard

Microsoft plans to buy major games company Activision Blizzard in a deal worth $US68.7 billion

It would be the biggest acquisition in the company’s history and is expected to be finalised next year.

The move means Microsoft will take ownership of gaming franchises like Call of Duty, Warcraft and Overwatch and will provide building blocks for the metaverse.

The deal comes with a slew of popular franchises both old and new, meaning more exclusivity in favour of Microsoft and their Xbox Game pass subscription service.

Think Netflix – for gaming.

Activision Blizzard has in recent months seen a concerning pattern of allegations and lawsuits. With several issues afflicting the company in relation to employee treatment, sexual harassment and, a quote “frat boy culture” which ravaged the reputation of the popular studio.

Enraged employees staged walkouts in response to the poor conditions and lack of leadership surrounding these issues last year.

Microsoft’s takeover sees an important opportunity present itself for the company as they will now need to improve the culture dramatically.

This trend of developer acquisition has seen the gaming space evolve from the traditional “console wars” of the 90s and early 2000s into a world where content is king.

Where this leaves competitors like Sony and Nintendo remains to be seen but as 2022 kicks off and the gaming industry shows no signs of slowing, there is plenty to play as gamers assess where to get their gaming goodness moving forward.

However for XBOX and PC owners their gaming offerings have expanded dramatically as of the signing of this deal.

Related Topics:Featured Microsoft Tech trending

Up Next

Peruvian prosecutors open probe into oil spill blamed on Tonga Tsunami

Don't Miss

First images of ‘unprecedented disaster’

News

SoftBank sells Nvidia stake to fund massive AI push

SoftBank sells $5.8B Nvidia stake to invest in AI, sparking analysts’ views on Masayoshi Son’s bold gamble.

Published

11 hours ago

November 12, 2025

ticker NEWS

SoftBank sells $5.8B Nvidia stake to invest in AI, sparking analysts’ views on Masayoshi Son’s bold gamble.

SoftBank has sold its entire $5.8 billion Nvidia stake to double down on artificial intelligence, investing heavily in OpenAI and the colossal $500 billion Stargate data-centre project.

Analysts say it’s Masayoshi Son’s boldest tech gamble yet.

#SoftBank #Nvidia #OpenAI #AI #MasayoshiSon #Stargate #TechNews #Investing #DataCenters #ArtificialIntelligence

News

Senate passes deal to end historic shutdown

Senate passes spending bill to end shutdown, funding key departments and adding privacy safeguards with House and presidential support expected.

Published

11 hours ago

November 12, 2025

ticker NEWS

Senate passes spending bill to end shutdown, funding key departments and adding privacy safeguards with House and presidential support expected.

The U.S. Senate has approved a spending bill 60–40 to end the nation’s longest government shutdown, with House support and presidential backing expected.

The package funds key departments through January while adding new privacy safeguards for lawmakers.

#USPolitics #GovernmentShutdown #SenateVote #Congress #Trump #MikeJohnson #Washington #USNews #FederalFunding #CapitolHill

News

Sussan Ley’s leadership tested amid net-zero debate

Sussan Ley’s leadership faces challenge as Liberal MPs debate net zero emissions policy amid divisions between moderates and conservatives

Published

14 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Ahron Young

Sussan Ley’s leadership faces challenge as Liberal MPs debate net zero emissions policy amid divisions between moderates and conservatives

In Short:
– Sussan Ley’s leadership is questioned as the Liberal party debates net-zero emissions amidst internal divisions.
– Moderate MPs warn losing elections if net-zero is abandoned, highlighting urban voter support for a 2050 target.

Sussan Ley’s leadership faces scrutiny as the Liberal party debates a net-zero emissions target.

Conservative members argue she should abandon the goal to maintain her position, while moderates hope for a compromise that aligns with the Paris Agreement.

Leadership contenders like Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie support staying committed to the Paris Agreement, rejecting a net-zero commitment. Taylor indicated future leadership aspirations are not confirmed.

Pro-net-zero frontbencher Tim Wilson seeks decisive leadership to address the issue. Ley’s lack of internal guidance frustrates moderates, creating uncertainty regarding her stance on net-zero. While some conservatives advocate for its dismissal, others display mixed support.

Liberal party dynamics shift as polling reveals significant opposition to net-zero among constituents. The upcoming party room meeting and shadow ministers gathering will aim to finalise the Coalition’s position.

Internal Divisions

Moderate MPs warn that elections will be lost if net-zero is abandoned, emphasising its importance in urban areas.

A poll indicates strong support for a 2050 net-zero target among voters. Critics of the Nationals’ policy argue it is misguided and incompatible with national interests.

Calls for resignation from frontbench positions are met with opposition. Some representatives voiced frustration over the timing of the meeting, suggesting it should have been resolved earlier.