Phil Spencer Gives Update On Activision Blizzard Acquisition Efforts

During an Xbox panel called “What’s Next for Gaming,” head of Xbox Phil Spencer was asked by the moderator for the current status of the drawn-out process of attempting to acquire Activision Blizzard.

Spencer said, “It has been a very long road.” I have to confess that, when we began this project, some of us were up here thinking, perhaps more than 18-months ago, about our strategy and how we could improve our capabilities. This Activision Blizzard King purchase, let’s just say, has been an excellent learning experience. And so many people up here – [head of Xbox Game Studios] Matt [Booty]The following are some examples of how to get started: [corporate vice president] Sarah [Bond] – have spent a lot of time leading and strategizing and thinking about where we are. You think about our progress as a company, I think there are 40 countries that have approved the deal, and there’s 2 countries we’re really focused on getting approval. These are two of the most important countries for us to focus on.

“I’d say the company, Microsoft – which is obviously important when you’re thinking about spending $70 billion, which is crazy to think about – they’re very committed,” Spencer continued. “We’re very committed. Activision King is a company with real capabilities, especially in PC and mobile, as well as a growing portfolio, which will allow us to reach and find new players. We are still working on it, but remain optimistic. Our goal is to work with regulators who have any questions and find solutions. Brad Smith is the chief lawyer at the company and he’s actively working on this. [or]Sarah is spending lots of time in the field with regulators. Together, we are trying to come up with solutions. It was the case with the European Commission. I have no doubt that we will find solutions in other areas. It takes time. You need to focus. But I’m confident.”

Xbox announced its intention to purchase Activision Blizzard in January 2022. However, the acquisition is still in progress, and has encountered several speed bumps.