The existence of video games in recent years has matured among gamers. That seems to make this industry so tempting and promising. Even some large companies, dare to expand into various platforms to make acquisitions in very high numbers.
Recorded in history, there are 10 biggest game company acquisitions. Where the top ranking is filled by the news that has just surfaced, namely the purchase by Microsoft of Activision Blizzard.
The news emerged, not long after Take Two bought Zynga at a fantastic price. So what are the buying lists of other biggest game companies? Here are the 10 biggest game company acquisitions in history, as quoted by detikINET from Pocket Gamer, Thursday (20/1/2022).
Top 10 Game Company Acquisitions
1. Microsoft - Activision Blizzard
Although the acquisition has not been completed, but Microsoft reportedly agreed to meet the payment of USD 69 billion. This is also the greatest value in history.
The tech giant is getting more and more solid in building the metaverse. As stated by Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, where video games are the most dynamic and interesting type of entertainment on all platforms.
"This industry will also play an important role, in the development of the metaverse platform," explained Nadella.
2. Take Two - Zynga
Next came from the parent company of Rockstar Games, namely Take Two Interactive, which bought the well-known game developer, Zynga. This purchase cost up to USD 12.7 billion.
Zynga itself is one of the most successful mobile game developers in the world. In total, more than 70 titles are served, including on social media such as Facebook.
3. Tencent - Supercell
Tencent itself acquired an 81.4% stake in Supercell for USD 10.2 billion in June 2016. Then increased its ownership status from 50% to 51.2% for USD 40 million and acquired an additional 44,000 shares.
Supercell is headquartered in Finland and owns four mobile games that each grossed $1 billion. Earned as a lifetime gross through titles, such as Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, Hay Day and Brawl Stars.
4. Microsoft - Bethesda Softworks (ZeniMax Media)
In addition to attracting Activision Blizzard, Microsoft has previously poured funds of USD 7.5 billion to get Bethesda. This purchase also provides an exclusive game release on Xbox and PC.
Bethesda also brought Bethesda Fallout, Elder Scrolls, Doom and Dishonored. Along with the eight developer studios it owns, it joined Xbox Game Studios.
5. Activision Blizzard - King
Before finally being acquired by Microsoft, Activision Blizzard had bought King for USD 5.9 billion, in February 2016. With USD 3.6 million from internal cash and the rest from a credit agreement.
King himself is a mobile game developer founded in Stockholm, Sweden. They are best known for several titles, one of which is Candy Crush Saga which has released three sequels.
6. ByteDance - Moonton
TikTok's parent company has brought in Moonton, as the developer of the Mobile Legends game, at a price of USD 4 billion. This is done to expand the global offering that Nuverse can provide to the mobile gaming industry.
Moonton is the developer and publisher of the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game from China. Founded in 2014, they are famous for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
7. Embracer - Asmodee
Embracer Group acquires Asmodee for USD 3.1 billion. A total of more than 37 acquisitions were carried out in 2021. Where Lars Wingefors as CEO said, he plans to do a similar number in 2022.
Asmodee was founded in 1995 and distributes titles such as Catan, Star Wars: XWing, Ticket to Ride and Jungle Speed. Since operating, they alone have purchased 22 subsidiaries and more than 300 IPs.
8. Microsoft - Mojang Studios
Before deciding to hook Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, Microsoft has also acquired Mojang Studios for USD 2.5 billion, in 2014. This seems to be the third largest purchase for the technology giant based in Redmond, United States.
Mojang Studios is a Swedish developer known for the sandbox game Minecraft. Since its release, their game has sold over 200 million units worldwide making it the best-selling title of all time.
9. Electronic Arts - Glu Mobile
Next came from Electronic Arts (EA), which acquired Glu Mobile for USD 2.4 billion. The goal is to expand its reach to gamers around the world.
Glue Mobile is best known for titles like Disney Sorcerer's Arena, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood and Diner Dash Adventures. The total revenue they managed to achieve was USD 540 million in 2020.
10. Netmarble - SpinX Games
Netmarble disbursed funds to bring SpinX Games into its extended family, which was USD 2.19 billion. To be the third highest earning casino mobile gaming company in the world.
Founded in 2014, SpinX Games, is also known for launching Cash Frenzy, Lotsa Slots and Jackpot World. They don't offer real-world gambling, but in-app purchases.
