Big tech fully understands the importance of content in the next evolution of the Internet. Having consoles and hardware is of little value without quality content. Microsoft (NASDAQ:) publicly announced its plans to buy the video game giant, Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:), in a 100% cash deal in excess of US$68 billion. A historic deal that reveals Microsoft’s priorities right now. “We need support for many platforms in the metaverse,” said Satya Nadella, the new CEO of Microsoft. What does this mean?
There is no reason to think that the authorities will prevent the transaction. After all, Microsoft doesn’t have a monopoly on video games. Of course, with this acquisition, the company is ranked number three in the sector by revenue, after Tencent (HK:) and Sony (T:). The metaverse is mentioned. But it is clear that Microsoft’s intention, at first, is to feed content from its Game Pass subscription platform. Let’s think of a Netflix (NASDAQ:) but for video games. Which means that the user will be able to enjoy video games from the phone and tablet thanks to the cloud. That is, we can do without expensive consoles and sophisticated specialized equipment. Obviously, Microsoft is looking for a Netflix model.
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Everything seems to indicate that Satya Nadella is following the example of Bob Iger of Disney (NYSE:) with its latest acquisition. Bob Iger brought Disney back to life with big acquisitions that brought a lot of new and highly franchiseable content to the brand. I am referring, of course, to the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, LucasFilms, National Geographic and 21th Century Fox. What does Microsoft gain from this acquisition? Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty, and Candy Crush, among others. These are well-known games with a huge fan base. In other words, Microsoft is getting community. Content and subscribers. These names will now add to Microsoft’s already quite extensive portfolio. The thing is serious. And I wouldn’t be at all surprised by reactions from the competition. You don’t have to be a genius to know that at the moment many studios are “in conversions” and surely there are already offers on the table.
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