Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tech & Science

Microsoft to buy US gaming giant Activision-Blizzard for $69 billion

Microsoft announced Tuesday a $69 billion deal to purchase US gaming giant Activision Blizzard, the firm behind hits like “Call of Duty”.

Activision Blizzard to create compensation fund for workplace harassment victims
Employees of the video game company Activision Blizzard hold a walkout to call for changes in conditions for women and other marginalized groups, in Irvine, California, on July 28, 2021 - Copyright AFP Noel Celis
Employees of the video game company Activision Blizzard hold a walkout to call for changes in conditions for women and other marginalized groups, in Irvine, California, on July 28, 2021 - Copyright AFP Noel Celis

Microsoft announced Tuesday a $69 billion deal to purchase US gaming giant Activision Blizzard, the firm behind hits like “Call of Duty” that has been hit by allegations of sex discrimination against women.

“This acquisition will accelerate the growth in Microsoft’s gaming business across mobile, PC, console and cloud and will provide building blocks for the metaverse,” Microsoft said in a statement.

Activision, the California-based maker of “Candy Crush” has been hit by employee protests, departures, and a state lawsuit alleging it enabled toxic workplace conditions and sexual harassment against women.

Over the past seven months the company has received about 700 reports of employee concerns over sexual assault or harassment or other misconduct, in some cases separate reports about the same incident, The Wall Street Journal has reported.

Nearly 20 percent of Activision Blizzard’s 9,500 employees have signed a petition calling for CEO Bobby Kotick to resign.

AFP
Written By

With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

You may also like:

Entertainment

Musical artist ChewieCatt chatted about opening for Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys on his "Who I Am" solo tour.

Social Media

Meanwhile, world, what are you doing about protecting your kids?

Entertainment

Veteran actor Maxwell Caulfield ("Grease 2") chatted about starring in the rom-com "The Merry Gentlemen" on Netflix.

Business

Hiring the right people is always important, but especially significant for newer businesses and startups.