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Think Netflix – for gaming: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard

Published

2 years ago

January 19, 2022

Sponsored Content - Ticker News Insight, Brittany Coles

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

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Streaming service shift and the award season snubs

Published

3 months ago

January 24, 2024

Mike Loder

Netflix Introduces Changes to Subscription Model, Academy Award Nominations Spark Cinematic Buzz, and the Doomsday Clock Continues its Ominous Ticking.

Netflix is set to discontinue its ad-free Basic subscription in select countries, commencing with Canada and the UK in Q2 2024.

This strategic shift introduces a significant price increase for the baseline entry, signalling potential adjustments to Netflix’s global pricing structure.

Simultaneously, the 96th edition of the Academy Award nominations has stirred cinematic debates, with the prevailing question being whether the upcoming season will be dominated by “Barbie” or “Oppenheimer.” These contrasting narratives set the stage for a fierce competition, highlighting the diverse and compelling offerings in this year’s film industry.

Beyond the realm of entertainment, the Doomsday Clock, a symbolic representation of the likelihood of a human-made global catastrophe, continues its ominous countdown.

Maintained since 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, the clock serves as a metaphor for threats arising from unchecked scientific and technological advances. As global tensions, environmental challenges, and technological risks persist, the ticking of the Doomsday Clock serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address multifaceted threats to humanity.

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Adidas faces potential $320M Yeezy shoe write-off post-Kanye split

Published

5 months ago

November 9, 2023

ticker NEWS

Adidas is contemplating a significant financial blow as it considers writing off $320 million worth of Yeezy shoes following its separation from music and fashion icon Kanye West.

The sportswear giant’s decision to sever ties with West’s Yeezy brand has left a mountain of unsold merchandise, threatening to dent the company’s balance sheet.

The partnership between Adidas and Kanye West, which began in 2013, had been immensely successful, with Yeezy shoes becoming a highly sought-after fashion statement.

However, recent controversies and disagreements between West and Adidas prompted the sportswear company to distance itself from the celebrity designer.

The massive inventory of Yeezy shoes now presents a dilemma for Adidas, as it grapples with finding a solution to deal with the surplus stock. A $320 million write-off could significantly impact the company’s financial performance in the short term.

Adidas is currently exploring various options, including discounting, donating, or repurposing the unsold inventory to mitigate the financial hit.

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Warner Bros discovery warns of Hollywood’s ‘real risk’ post-strikes’

Published

5 months ago

November 9, 2023

ticker NEWS

Warner Bros Discovery, has issued a stark warning regarding the ‘real risk’ that Hollywood faces in the aftermath of the recent strikes that have taken a considerable toll on the industry’s financial health.

The strikes, which disrupted film and television production for several weeks, resulted in substantial financial losses for studios, production companies, and countless industry professionals.

Warner Bros Discovery emphasised the necessity for a resilient and adaptable approach to navigate the ongoing challenges and uncertainties facing the film and television sector.

The conglomerate stressed the importance of implementing measures to mitigate such risks in the future, which include fostering better labour relations and contingency planning to safeguard against potential disruptions.

The message underlined the need for the industry to adapt to the evolving landscape of content creation and distribution, particularly in the digital era.

This warning from Warner Bros Discovery highlights the need for the entertainment industry to recognise the ever-changing dynamics and economic challenges, and the importance of preparedness to maintain its prominent position in the global market.