Microsoft’s Gaming Revenue Surges 49% in Q2 with Activision Acquisition
Microsoft’s gaming revenue has soared 49 percent in the second quarter of 2022, and the company has credited this substantial growth to its recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The tech giant reported revenue of $18.1 billion for its gaming business, up from $12.6 billion in the same period last year.
The $68.7 billion deal, which was announced in January and is expected to close in mid-2023, will make Microsoft one of the largest gaming companies in the world. Activision Blizzard is known for popular titles such as Call of Duty, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft, and its acquisition will bolster Microsoft’s already strong gaming portfolio, which includes Xbox, Game Pass, and cloud gaming service, xCloud.
According to Microsoft, the surge in gaming revenue was driven by strong demand for its Xbox hardware, software and services. The company also reported an increase in Xbox Live users and Game Pass subscribers. In addition, Microsoft’s cloud gaming service, xCloud, has experienced significant growth, with more gamers choosing to play their favorite titles on the cloud.
The pandemic has undoubtedly played a role in the gaming industry’s success as people looked for entertainment options while stuck at home. However, Microsoft’s focus on expanding its gaming ecosystem and broadening its reach through key acquisitions has undoubtedly been a major driver of its impressive growth.
The Activision Blizzard deal will not only help Microsoft expand its gaming portfolio, but it will also provide access to a wealth of intellectual property and industry-leading talent. This will enable the company to create even more compelling gaming experiences for its massive global audience.
In addition to gaming, Microsoft’s other businesses have also seen strong growth, with the company reporting a total revenue of $51.7 billion, up 20 percent from the same period last year. The company’s cloud computing division, Azure, saw a 37 percent growth in revenue, further cementing Microsoft’s position as a leader in the technology industry.
Overall, Microsoft’s stellar performance in the gaming sector is a testament to the company’s strategic focus on expanding its gaming ecosystem and providing innovative, high-quality gaming experiences to players around the world. With the Activision Blizzard deal on the horizon, Microsoft’s position in the gaming industry is set to become even stronger, and the company is well-positioned to continue its impressive growth trajectory in the coming years.
