Microsoft will seek to reboot Activision Blizzard’s culture after $68.7-billion acquisition

Microsoft would gain access to games such as ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘Candy Crush,’ as Activision remains in turmoil over claims of misconduct and unequal pay. For gamers, meanwhile, the merger could mean that more of Activision’s back catalog becomes available, and the company’s tentpole franchises such as “Call of Duty” and “World of Warcraft” could become more easily accessible via Microsoft’s cloud streaming technology — assuming they’re willing to buy Microsoft hardware or join its gaming subscription service. “Activision never would have done that with ‘Call of Duty,’” its flagship title, Uerkwitz said, with the company’s financial performance lashed to tentpole releases. Just as the steady cashflow and retention model of a subscription user base has allowed Netflix and HBO to fund mid-budget films, the Game Pass model means that “Microsoft doesn’t need only triple-As, they need double-As and smaller titles, and can tap into that catalog to find smaller-scoped games that fit in a subscription service.” The early-morning news came as a surprise to workers at Activision Blizzard, who expressed ambivalence about the deal. In an open letter to employees, Activision’s Kotick wrote, “Microsoft recognizes the commitment to excellence and creative independence that sets us apart, and we anticipate minimal changes for our workforce following the close of the transaction,” and said the company will continue to operate independently of its new parent.