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Activision Blizzard Acquires King.com: A $5.9 Billion Deal

The Landmark Acquisition of King.com by Activision Blizzard

Activision Blizzard and King.com’s Game-Changing Move

In 2015, the gaming industry witnessed a seismic shift when Activision Blizzard, a titan in the video game sector, announced its acquisition of King.com, the company behind the immensely popular mobile game Candy Crush Saga. This acquisition, valued at an astounding $5.9 billion, signified not only a strategic expansion for Activision but also marked a pivotal moment in the convergence of traditional gaming with mobile platforms.

Understanding the Acquisition's Impact

This monumental deal aimed to enhance Activision Blizzard’s portfolio by integrating King.com’s expertise in casual gaming. By acquiring a leading mobile game developer, Activision positioned itself to tap into the vast and growing mobile gaming market which had rapidly gained traction.

The Context and Consequences of the Deal

Activision Blizzard's Ambitious Vision

Activision Blizzard’s acquisition of King.com was a bold step to diversify its game offerings. The company, renowned for franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, sought to expand its audience reach and revenue streams through King’s robust catalog of mobile games, primarily beloved Candy Crush.

The Evolution of Gaming Post-Acquisition

Following the acquisition, Activision Blizzard effectively merged King’s operations into its existing structure, allowing for the cross-pollination of gaming expertise and resources. This strategy not only fueled the growth of Candy Crush but also influenced the development of new titles that could appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers.

Fun Fact

Candy Crush's Cultural Impact

Did you know that Candy Crush Saga, created by King.com, became one of the highest-grossing mobile games of all time? At its peak, it had over 93 million daily active users, highlighting the game's massive popularity and engagement.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Activision Blizzard and King.com

For those interested in exploring more about this pivotal acquisition, consider reading “Blood, Sweat, and Pixels” by Jason Schreier, which delves into the intricacies of the gaming industry, including major acquisitions like Activision’s. Another worthwhile read is “The Game Maker's Notebook”, which provides insights into behind-the-scenes decisions in the gaming world.