EA CEO Commends Microsoft and Activision Blizzard Deal- A Game Changer for the Industry

Electronic Arts CEO, Andrew Wilson, expressed his belief that the merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard is beneficial for the video game industry. During an interview with CNBC, Wilson stated, "I strongly support the Microsoft-Activision merger as it signifies the commitment of one of the world's leading corporations to continue investing in our industry, fostering its growth in the long run."

EA is said to be the primary beneficiary of this merger, considering that it is one of the few significant independent companies remaining, with Activision now being under Microsoft's ownership. It was emphasized that EA possesses exceptional intellectual property (IP) and a massive player community of 700 million.

Furthermore, when questioned about the possibility of EA being acquired, Wilson chose to focus on EA's own acquisitions of studios. Wilson clarified that if there are opportunities for inquisitiveness, they would undoubtedly explore them. More specifically, these opportunities could involve acquiring new IP, expanding teams, incorporating innovative technologies, or augmenting the network's growth and user engagement.

In May, Wilson expressed indifference towards the merger of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. However, he has now had a change of heart. The CEO of Activision Blizzard suggested that Microsoft was not the sole company interested in acquiring them; EA also showed interest, reportedly.

It was reported that EA was in pursuit of a merger with NBC Universal. However, the deal eventually collapsed due to disagreements over price and structure.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of video games, I have mixed feelings about the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal. On the one hand, I am excited about the potential for this merger to bring more high-quality games to players. Microsoft has a lot of money and resources, and it could use those to help Activision Blizzard make even better games. On the other hand, I am concerned about the potential for this merger to create a monopoly in the video game industry. Microsoft is already one of the biggest players in the industry, and adding Activision Blizzard to its portfolio would make it even more dominant. This could lead to higher prices for games, less choice for consumers, and less innovation in the industry.

Overall, I think the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal is a positive development for the video game industry. However, I urge Microsoft to use its power responsibly and to ensure that this merger does not lead to a monopoly.