Can Blizzard Keep Its Autonomy Post-Microsoft Acquisition? 'No One Asking Us To Do Anything,' Says World Of Warcraft Exec
Portfolio Pulse from Franca Quarneti
Six months following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Holly Longdale, an executive at World of Warcraft, shared that Microsoft has allowed Blizzard to maintain its autonomy, stating 'There's no one asking us to do anything.' Longdale praised the supportive environment and the opportunities for collaboration with other Microsoft-owned studios. Despite the positive integration, Microsoft's gaming division faced layoffs affecting 1,900 employees and project cancellations. Blizzard also announced a new World of Warcraft expansion, 'The War Within,' generating anticipation.
April 19, 2024 | 8:32 pm
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Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard has allowed Blizzard to maintain autonomy, fostering a supportive environment for collaboration. Despite this, Microsoft's gaming division faced layoffs and project cancellations.
The positive integration and autonomy granted to Blizzard by Microsoft could be seen as a strategic move to preserve Blizzard's creative culture and successful franchises, potentially benefiting Microsoft in the long run. However, the layoffs and project cancellations within Microsoft's gaming division could indicate restructuring efforts or cost optimizations, which might have a neutral short-term impact on Microsoft's stock as the market balances the positive aspects of the acquisition with the negative news of layoffs.
CONFIDENCE 85
IMPORTANCE 75
RELEVANCE 90