Microsoft has commented on its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The $68.7 billion deal is moving fast and now entering its middle phase, the company said.

Microsoft has released its latest financial report. The Xbox division continues to grow, reaching over $3.7 billion in revenue for the quarter ending March 31.

It’s been reported that Microsoft is now working on a special program to let third-party companies place ads in free-to-play games. Here is how this move might boost Xbox advertising ambitions and help it build the so-called “content fortress.”

Microsoft has been trying to close the gap on Sony since the start of the latest console race. The Xbox Series X|S has strengthened its positions over the last months, with its total sales reaching almost 14 million units worldwide.

Microsoft and Bobby Kotick haven’t discussed his post-merger employment status yet, Activision Blizzard claimed. This is contrary to previous reports suggesting the publisher’s CEO would resign following the deal.

SOC Investment Group has raised concerns over Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, saying that it fails to properly value the Call of Duty publisher. The firm urged other stakeholders to vote against the deal.

Microsoft is ready to bring Game Pass to several countries in Southeast Asia later this year. This expansion will help the company reach millions of PC players across these markets.

Microsoft has never disclosed any financial information about Game Pass deals. However, a games industry expert stated that the company could have paid between $5 and $10 million to bring Guardians of the Galaxy to its subscription service.

Raven Software employees have asked Microsoft about its position on the potential unionization. The company said it won’t stand in the way in case Activision Blizzard approves a union in the first place.

Microsoft has shared some ID@Xbox stats to celebrate its ninth anniversary. This program helped independent developers earn more than $2.5 billion in royalties since the 2013 launch.

Moon Studios, a 100% remote team known for the critically acclaimed Ori series, has been accused of toxic workplace culture. The mismanagement reportedly resulted in mental health problems for employees and could have become the reason for Microsoft to part ways with the studio.

Democratic lawmakers have introduced a new bill prohibiting antitrust mergers. It would allow the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to block M&A deals worth $5 billion or more.

It looks like The Initiative is now facing more problems during development of the Perfect Dark reboot. According to the latest report, dozens of core devs left the studio during the last year.

Metacritic has shared its list of top game publishers of 2021, with Microsoft leaping to the first place. The company has outperformed other big companies, including Sony, Activision Blizzard, and EA.

The list of companies suspending or stopping their business in Russia is getting bigger. Microsoft has announced its decision to stop all new sales of its products and services in the country while also committing to helping and supporting Ukraine.

More than a dozen advocacy groups have raised their concerns over Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard. They asked the Federal Trade Commission to closely review the deal to stop potential damage to the market, including a threat to fair competition.

Microsoft is now facing pressure from regulators ahead of the Activision Blizzard acquisition, which forced the company to revise some principles for its storefronts. This also means a possible replacement of standard 30% commission on Xbox with a more flexible model.

While Microsoft’s deal to acquire Activision Blizzard is yet to be approved, some indie developers are now raising concerns over its possible aftermath. They worry that the industry’s consolidation might leave them buried under tons of AAA games.

Only one month into 2022 and we have already witnessed one of the biggest acquisitions in the history of video games. Newzoo has shared some insights into the latest M&A activity, explaining how acquisitions of Bungie, Activision Blizzard, and Zynga will influence the market.