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Microsoft announced that it intends to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion<\/a>, a deal that will make Microsoft one of the biggest gaming companies in the world. With the deal, popular gaming franchises like Call of Duty<\/em>, Warcraft<\/em>, Overwatch<\/em>, and more will be in the fold of Microsoft\u2019s ever-expanding portfolio of studios, alongside Bethesda and its own Xbox Game Studios. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Also included as part of the deal is King, the makers of Candy Crush<\/em>, signaling that Microsoft may utilize the company to compete in the mobile space. In early 2021, Take-Two Interactive (which houses developers like 2K, Private Division, and Rockstar Games) purchased Zynga for $12.7 billion<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Though the deal hasn\u2019t come to pass, Microsoft\u2019s intent to acquire Activision Blizzard raises questions around antitrust and around how Microsoft might steer Activision Blizzard\u2019s toxic company culture and make adjustments to its leadership\u2019s role to promote an equitable work environment moving forward. The acquisition was announced after several high-profile claims of sexual harassment were levied against Activision Blizzard, and in July 2021, the\u00a0California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) sued Activision Blizzard<\/a>\u00a0for promoting a culture of \u201cconstant sexual harassment.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n