The tech world was recently shaken up by Microsoft's announcement that it would acquire Activision Blizzard for a whopping $68.7 billion. This marks Microsoft's largest acquisition ever and has major implications for the video game industry.
In this article, we'll break down exactly what this deal means, the history behind Activision Blizzard, the key details of the acquisition, how it benefits gamers, and how EdrawMax can help take your projects to the next level by easily creating diagrams like BPMN models.
In this article
Part 1. What is Activision?
Activision was founded in 1979 and is one of the largest third-party video game publishers globally. They are the creators of major franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and Candy Crush. Based in California, Activision generates billions in revenue each year from its games, in-game purchases, and subscriptions.
Activision merged with fellow game developer Blizzard in 2008, forming the combined Activision Blizzard company. Blizzard was known for massive hits like Warcraft, Starcraft, and Hearthstone. Together, the two formed a true gaming powerhouse.
Before the merger with Microsoft, Activision Blizzard had nearly 10,000 employees worldwide. Their games span consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, giving them a huge, diverse player base. Call of Duty alone generates over a billion dollars annually.
Part 2. Overview of Microsoft Activision Blizzard Deal
On January 18, 2022, Microsoft announced its intent to acquire Activision Blizzard for $95 per share, totaling $68.7 billion. This dwarfs Microsoft's previous largest acquisition, LinkedIn, which cost $26 billion.
Here are some key details about this monumental deal:
- Pending regulatory approval, the deal is set to close in Microsoft's 2023 fiscal year.
- Activision Blizzard will operate under Microsoft Gaming, led by CEO Phil Spencer.
- Iconic franchises like Warcraft, Diablo, and Call of Duty will become exclusive Microsoft properties once the deal is finalized.
- Microsoft gains access to Activision Blizzard's nearly 400 million monthly players, building its own user base.
- The deal intensifies competition in the metaverse space against rivals like Meta.
- Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated the purchase will "provide building blocks for the metaverse."
- Activision Blizzard has faced controversies recently regarding workplace culture and misconduct allegations. The company's CEO Bobby Kotick will remain in charge but report to Spencer after the deal.
This acquisition represents a major power move from Microsoft as it aims to boost its gaming ecosystem. Owning mega-franchises like Call of Duty gives Microsoft enviable advantages in the video game wars against Sony, Nintendo, and others. The huge price tag underscores how valuable Activision Blizzard's IP and user base is.
Part 3. How Does the Microsoft Activision Benefits Users?
For gamers, Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard could usher in some potential benefits:
- More high-quality exclusive games for Xbox and PC, with Microsoft IP like Halo potentially crossing over with the Activision series.
- Classic Activision Blizzard franchises are preserved for the future under stable Microsoft leadership. Activision was recently plagued by workplace scandals.
- Potential for Activision titles to be added to Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's Netflix-style subscription.
- Increased competition pushes other players like Sony, Nintendo, and Tencent to invest more in content.
- Opportunity to integrate Activision Blizzard's online expertise into Microsoft's Azure cloud and Xbox networking.
Overall though, the deal seems a net positive for gamers who may reap the benefits of Microsoft's growing gaming ambitions. It remains to be seen how Microsoft will manage Activision Blizzard, but the combo offers exciting new possibilities.
Part 4. Take Your Projects to the Next Level: EdrawMax
After learning about Microsoft's blockbuster Activision Blizzard acquisition, you may be wondering how you can take your own projects and diagrams up a level. That's where EdrawMax comes in!
EdrawMax is a versatile graphic design and diagramming software that helps teams and individuals visualize complex information. With EdrawMax, you can create flowcharts, organizational charts, mind maps, fashion designs, floor plans, and more.
For your business needs, EdrawMax has thousands of built-in templates and 250+ diagram types covering workflows, wireframes, networks, engineering schematics, and many other uses.
Unlike Microsoft Visio, EdrawMax is affordable for any budget. It's available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and in your web browser. The software saves diagrams as PNGs, PDFs, Word files, and more.
Part 5. Create a BPMN Diagram Easily With EdrawMax
Business process mapping is critical for understanding workflows and identifying improvements. Microsoft likely used process maps to strategize their Activision Blizzard acquisition. You can easily create process flowcharts with EdrawMax using BPMN (business process model and notation).
Follow these steps in EdrawMax to make a professional BPMN diagram:
Step 1: Download and install EdrawMax on your PC. Open EdrawMax and select New > Business > BPMN Diagram.
Step 2: Drag and drop elements like starting/ending events, tasks, decisions, connectors, etc. onto the canvas.
Step 3: Connect elements with lines showing the process flow.
Step 4: Click on any entity and select style to customize colors and appearance.
Step 5: Export your completed BPMN chart as an image, PDF, or Word doc. Share with colleagues for feedback and process analysis.
With clear symbolic standards, BPMN charts help teams align and optimize processes. EdrawMax makes it simple for anyone to create them.
Conclusion
Microsoft sent shockwaves through the tech and gaming industries with its upcoming acquisition of Activision Blizzard for nearly $69 billion. This deal will hand Microsoft control of Activision's legendary franchises, greatly expand its user base, and provide building blocks for the metaverse.
The future looks bright for Microsoft in gaming and for your visual communications with EdrawMax!
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