A new document from the UK government has revealed that Microsoft attempted to acquire a mobile game publisher prior to its recent move to acquire Activision Blizzard. The UK Competition & Markets Authority had noted this in its final report regarding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The details of the attempt to acquire the unnamed mobile game publisher, however, have been heavily redacted in the report, rendering it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions from it.
Microsoft’s push into mobile gaming
The attempt to purchase the mobile game publisher is thought to be part of Microsoft’s strategy to establish a foothold in the mobile games space, which it does not currently have much business in. It found a potential target in Activision Blizzard, which has established itself as one of the biggest players in the mobile gaming market, generating a significant portion of its total revenue in this space. Over the past three months, mobile has been Activision Blizzard’s biggest platform by revenue, beating out console and PC.
Microsoft’s intentions with Activision Blizzard
In purchasing Activision Blizzard, Microsoft hopes to access this lucrative mobile gaming market. Reports indicate that Microsoft has plans to launch an Xbox mobile store in 2024, which is expected to provide a platform for the company to introduce its various game franchises to mobile devices.
Redactions and secrecy
While the document revealing Microsoft’s failed attempt to purchase a mobile game publisher appeared to shed more light on the company’s interest in the mobile gaming market, the heavy redactions make it a frustrating read. However, it is not unusual for companies involved in business deals to want to keep certain information private, including the names of companies they are interested in purchasing, as well as deal timelines and other pertinent details.
Take-Two, Zynga, and other big buyouts in the mobile game space
The mobile gaming market has experienced several significant acquisitions recently, with the biggest being Take-Two’s purchase of Zynga for $12.7 billion at the beginning of last year. If Microsoft’s bid for Activision Blizzard is approved, this would surpass Take-Two’s acquisition many times over, at $68.7 billion.
What the future holds for Xbox mobile and its acquisitions
Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard has raised concerns among regulators in the US and Europe. Nonetheless, the company remains optimistic that the deal will go through, and it is likely that if it does, Microsoft’s position in the mobile gaming market will look significantly better than it did before.
Regardless of whether the deal is approved or not, Microsoft has made it clear that it is committed to expanding its reach in the mobile gaming space.
Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft tried to acquire a mobile game publisher before seeking to acquire Activision Blizzard according to a UK government document.
- The attempt is part of the company’s push into the mobile gaming market.
- Activision Blizzard is a well-established player in the mobile gaming market, with mobile generating the majority of its revenue.
- The details of Microsoft’s prospective acquisition have been heavily redacted, a common practice in business deal negotiations.
- The future of Xbox mobile and Microsoft’s push into the mobile gaming market remains bright, in spite of regulatory hurdles.
