Social Media Reacts To Microsoft's $69 Million Acquisition Of Activision Blizzard

Microsoft has successfully finalized its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in a  mega deal valued at $69 billion.

The acquisition, which is the largest ever in the gaming industry, received global approval, including from UK regulators who had initially blocked the bid. Following the announcement of the deal, multiple people took to social media to share a range of feelings and responses. 

Microsoft faced obstacles in several countries where government officials expressed concerns that the merger with Activision Blizzard could stifle competition in the video game industry.

In April, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority [CMA] initially blocked the approval of the deal. However, the regulator later reversed its decision after Microsoft made a concession. 

The multinational tech corporation agreed to license a portion of Activision's business related to cloud gaming, a growing sector in the gaming industry. This move aimed to address concerns about competition in the market and contributed to the deal's ultimate approval by the CMA.

The New York Times reported that Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, expressed his enthusiasm for the completion of the deal in a blog post, writing, "Whether you play on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, P.C. or mobile, you are welcome here — and will remain welcome, even if Xbox isn't where you play your favorite franchise."

Others also reacted to the deal's closure, taking to X to air their thoughts. "The Microsoft & Xbox ABK deal going through has literally BROKE Twitter ? SO many baby horse tears being shed right now and posts being deleted ???," one person wrote alongside a three-second clip containing their proof.

A supposed staff excitedly posted, "Went to sleep an Activision Blizzard employee and woke up a Microsoft employee ? can't wait to see what's on the horizon! Can finally say I'm now OFFICIALLY a Microsoft dev and part of a $69 billion dollar deal ??."

Similarly this person shared, "I've worked for only two companies for any significant time period in my life, and today they merged. Surreal," as a fourth began in lengthy message that read:

"I don't think these haters know what IP ownership and game ownership even means lol. Microsoft now owns THE GAME'S publishing not the ip when it comes to Sekiro and Tenchu 1-3."

They concluded, "They CAN'T make sequels that's the IP holders say, fromsoftware. But Microsoft can rerelease, develop remakes, and have them on Gamepass forever. Why you haters mad? This is good for gamers!"

A fifth internaut reported, "As the Microsoft-Activision deal closes, Bobby Kotick says he'll stay on as CEO through the end of the year. On January 1, 2024, Kotick will depart the company he took over 33 years ago — a massive change for the video game industry."

Meanwhile this X user pointed out, "Blows my mind that people STILL willingly support Microsoft after all their scummy dealings over the years ? No amount of "free" gaming is worth my dignity. But you do you....."

"A big fat f— you to @Xbox and @Microsoft bro for taking Activision there gonna kill cod fr should've left it to Sony," a second critic angrily stated.

Information surfaced in May 2021 suggesting that Microsoft founder Bill Gates may have had an affair with a former employee in the 2000s, potentially contributing to his decision to step down as CEO of the firm.

As reported by The Blast, a letter received by Microsoft in 2019 prompted an internal investigation into Gates thanks to claims that the writer — a Microsoft engineer — had an affair with the 67-year-old in 2000.

Although there is limited information about the affair, it is believed to have endured for several years, with a spokesperson for Gates surprisingly acknowledging the existence of this affair. In a statement addressing the matter, the spokesperson wrote:

"There was an affair almost 20 years ago which ended amicably. Bill's decision to transition off the board was in no way related to this matter. In fact, he had expressed an interest in spending more time on his philanthropy starting several years earlier."

While Gates' representatives do not dispute the existence of his extracurricular affairs, they emphasize that the affair wasn't the primary reason for his decision to resign. As mentioned in the previous statement, the businessman's desire to concentrate more on his philanthropic efforts was the driving force behind his departure.