The deal is finally done, and Microsoft can formally welcome Activision Blizzard King under Xbox's umbrella. Originally announced and proposed in January of 2022, this $68 billion dollar purchase saw quite a few hurdles and faced great scrutiny from video game pundits, trade commissions, and rival publishers/developers regarding the ethics of its impact in competition.

To their credit, Microsoft, who has a checkered history of anti-consumer practices, went to great lengths to meet the demands and standards of its greatest dissenters and the courts to see it through.

Together, we’ll create new worlds and stories, bring your favorite games to more places so more players can join in, and we’ll engage with and delight players in new, innovative ways in the places they love to play including mobile, cloud streaming and more", CEO of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer stated in a press release. "As promised, we will also continue to make more games available in more places – and that begins now by enabling cloud streaming providers and players to stream Activision Blizzard games in the European Economic Area, a commitment made to the European Commission."

So many stories to tell, so many characters to meet, so many worlds to explore…

It’s a good day to play: https://t.co/6i3RHmwsNZ pic.twitter.com/y7t2Q5mtrD

— Xbox (@Xbox) October 13, 2023

Following this sale, the binding agreements Microsoft has to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation, as well as a deal to bring the series to Nintendo consoles, whatever Nintendo's next platform shall be, will also be honored. Following a 30 year tenure, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is set to leave after this year, facilitating a smooth transition, as he will answer to Phil Spencer.