Microsoft to buy Activision Blizzard in near $70B deal

ISTANBUL

Microsoft announced Tuesday that it will acquire digital game publisher Activision Blizzard.

Microsoft News Center said the acquisition will amount to $68.7 billion.

"We all know that gaming is the most vibrant and dynamic form of entertainment worldwide and we’ve experienced the power of social connection and friendship that gaming makes possible," said Microsoft.

"We are incredibly excited to have the chance to work with the amazing, talented, dedicated people across Activision Publishing, Blizzard Entertainment, Beenox, Demonware, Digital Legends, High Moon Studios, Infinity Ward, King, Major League Gaming, Radical Entertainment, Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games, Toys for Bob, Treyarch and every team across Activision Blizzard."

The two companies will be operated separately until the deal is completed.

Activision Blizzard has many franchises including World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Diablo, Candy Crush, Hearthstone, and Overwatch.