Why Did Microsoft Buy Activision? (9 Reasons Why)

If you are a user of either Microsoft or Activision, possibly even both, there is a good chance that you may be wondering why Microsoft decided to buy this large company. 

So, for your ease, this article provides 9 reasons to help you to understand why Microsoft bought Activision, so keep reading to learn more!

Why Did Microsoft Buy Activision?

There are so many reasons that could explain why exactly Microsoft decided to make such a big decision in moving forward to purchase Activision. Some of these reasons may be that Microsoft wants to gain more customers, make money, expand its presence, and provide access to more affordable games to many more people. 

Keep reading if you would like to dig deeper and learn 9 reasons as to why Microsoft would decide to buy Activision!

1. Activision Comes With Millions of Customers

No company will turn away the opportunity to gain more customers, because they are extremely valuable in having success.

This is definitely one reason why Microsoft would want to purchase a company with such a large base of customers, such as Activision. 

With a gain in customers, Microsoft’s business has undoubtedly gotten more popular and has spread its name around in more places that it may not have reached in earlier years. 

2. Microsoft Wants to Grow

As most companies wish to expand, Microsoft likely doesn’t want to just sit in the same position it has been for a while.

The deal made between Activision and Microsoft makes MS the third-largest gaming company behind its rivals Sony and Tencent.

Activision also owns many well-made games and intellectual property. 

This deal opens a position for Microsoft to make some of these titles Xbox exclusives and to promote its game Pass subscription.

3. Microsoft Will Gain More Revenue Stream in the Metaverse 

Microsoft also has its eyes on the next generation of gaming and the internet, which is known as the Metaverse. 

The Metaverse is still very theoretical but is a future where physical and virtual spaces overlap. 

It creates many possibilities, which is why Microsoft would want to be a part of it and only really has that chance because it bought Activision. 

4. Activision Owns Some Popular Global Franchises

Microsoft obviously wants to gain Activision’s franchises for itself in order to grow more as a company. Listed below are some of the franchises that come with owning Activision:

1. Activision:

  • Call of Duty
  • Crash Bandicoot
  • Guitar Hero
  • Spyro the Dragon
  • Skylanders
  • Tony Hawk

2. Blizzard:

  • Diablo
  • Hearthstone
  • Lost Vikings
  • Overwatch
  • StarCraft
  • World of Warcraft

3. King:

  • Bubble Witch Saga
  • Candy Crush
  • Diamond Diaries Saga
  • Farm Heroes Saga
  • Pet Rescue

5. Microsoft Wants to Expand Its Presence in the Mobile Gaming Segment

Microsoft Wants to Expand Its Presence in the Mobile Gaming Segment

Another reason why Microsoft would want to buy Activision is that the company wants to expand its presence in the fast-growing mobile gaming world.

Currently, Activision has a footprint within this segment and owns the mobile gaming studio King, which is the creator of Candy Crush.

6. It Will Provide Better and Easier Access to Games

Microsoft has a goal to make it easier for people to connect and play awesome games whenever, wherever, and however they want.

Microsoft wants to create entertainment and content that will flow freely without any sort of resistance and make gaming more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

With Activision, Microsoft may be able to accomplish this, which is yet another reason why MS decided to buy the company. 

7. Microsoft Has an Endless Amount of Cash

As you may know, Microsoft has an endless amount of cash, as it’s the world’s richest company.

The cost of Activision certainly wouldn’t stand in the way of Microsoft being able to purchase it.

Even if Activision didn’t turn out to be an excellent investment, the hit that the company would take wouldn’t affect it very much.

This is another reason why Microsoft wants Activision for itself. 

8. Activision Will Help Microsoft Make Money

As mentioned previously, Activision has millions of active customers, which would bring in a great business for Microsoft.

Of course, any company, no matter the size, big or small, would rarely turn away the chance to get more customers who are willing to spend money and make their company richer. 

The amount of money that Activision would bring in for Microsoft is a no-brainer in why MS decided that Activision would be a great asset for its own company.

9. Gamers Can Play Console Games Anywhere

Before Microsoft made the decision to purchase a company like Activision, it didn’t really have a strong connection to the mobile gaming world, which was mentioned previously in this article. 

With this deal, players won’t be glued to their at-home devices and consoles. Therefore, they have the opportunity to play their favorite games as they please.

Overall, this may increase Microsoft’s popularity, which is another reason that MS decided to go ahead with purchasing Activision. 

To know more, you can also read our posts on why Microsoft bought Nokia, why Microsoft bought Minecraft, and why Microsoft bought LinkedIn.

Conclusion

There are so many viable reasons as to why Microsoft would make the large decision to buy Activision. Some of the reasons include wanting to make money, growing the company, and gaining more customers.

Other reasons include that the company is interested in making gaming more accessible for consumers, and the fact that it simply wants to expand its presence in the world and increase in popularity. 

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Cara Suppa

Cara Suppa has been freelance writing for over a decade and holds a BA in English and an MS in Integrated Marketing Communications. Outside of work, she is an avid cook, gardener, and discount shopper.

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