How much did Sony sell Activision for?

To answer this question directly, Sony did not sell Activision; instead, Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. This significant deal has reshaped the landscape of the video gaming market, with Microsoft aiming to bolster its position against industry leader Sony.

Background and Context

Introduction to the Acquisition

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft marks one of the most substantial deals in the history of the gaming industry. This move not only underscores Microsoft’s commitment to expanding its gaming portfolio but also highlights the rapidly evolving nature of the video game market.

Impact on the Gaming Industry

The inclusion of Activision Blizzard’s titles, such as Call of Duty, into Microsoft’s roster is expected to significantly enhance its competitive stance against Sony. The deal has been subject to regulatory scrutiny, with antitrust concerns being a pivotal point of discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. How much did Activision get sold for? Activision Blizzard was sold to Microsoft for $68.7 billion.
2. Did Sony buy Activision? No, Sony did not buy Activision; Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard.
3. Did Sony sell Call of Duty? No, Sony did not sell Call of Duty; Microsoft acquired the rights as part of its purchase of Activision Blizzard.

Financial and Market Impact

4. How much does Activision make from Sony? Sony accounts for 13 percent of Activision Blizzard’s overall revenue.
5. Is Activision Blizzard bigger than Sony? In terms of revenue, Sony is larger than Activision Blizzard, with Sony generating $4,380 million in the first quarter of 2023.

Reasons Behind Sony’s Decision

6. Why didn’t Sony buy Activision? Sony’s market cap of $113 billion would have made purchasing Activision for $68.7 billion a significant undertaking, potentially raising anti-competitive concerns.
7. Why did Sony not buy Activision? Anti-competitive concerns and the substantial cost of the acquisition were likely deterrents for Sony.

Call of Duty and PlayStation

8. Is Call of Duty leaving Sony? No, Microsoft has agreed to keep Call of Duty on Sony PlayStation as part of a 10-year binding agreement.

Ownership and Acquisition Details

9. Who is Activision owned by? As of October 13, 2023, Activision Blizzard is owned by Microsoft.
10. Who owns Activision today? Microsoft owns Activision Blizzard after completing the acquisition.

Regulatory Challenges

11. Why can’t Microsoft buy Activision? Microsoft’s merger with Activision Blizzard was initially blocked by regulatory bodies due to concerns over reduced competition in the video game industry.

Market Value and Worth

12. How much is Activision worth right now? Activision Blizzard’s market capitalization is approximately $74.28 billion as of October 2023.
13. How much is Activision worth now? Activision Blizzard has a market cap of $74.28 billion, ranking it as the world’s 182th most valuable company.

Strategic Reasons for the Acquisition

14. Why did Microsoft buy Activision for so much? Microsoft sought to enhance its gaming division and presence in the metaverse, considering the high value of video game IP.

Future Implications

15. What if Microsoft bought Activision? The acquisition gives Microsoft access to highly valuable IPs like Call of Duty and Overwatch, potentially strengthening its position in the gaming industry.