Microsoft officials said that Phil Spencer will become CEO of Microsoft Gaming once the transaction closes, and the Activision Blizzard business will report to him. Microsoft execs also said once the deal is finalized, Microsoft will become the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. Microsoft officials said the acquisition also will bolster the company’s Game Pass portfolio, since Microsoft will put Activision Blizzard games into Game Pass. Microsoft says Game Pass now has 25 million subscribers. Activision Blizzard has nearly 400 million monthly active players, Microsoft officials said. After the deal closes, Microsoft will have 30 internal game development studios, officials added.
