Video games are a billion-dollar industry, and the competition is fierce. Companies that want to succeed in this market have to be ready to invest. One way they do this is by acquiring other studios and intellectual properties. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most expensive video game acquisitions of all time, and explore why companies are willing to spend so much money.
Most expensive video game acquisitions:
- Microsoft acquires ZeniMax Media – $7.5 billion
In September 2020, Microsoft announced its acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the parent company of game studios such as Bethesda Softworks and id Software, for $7.5 billion. This acquisition has given Microsoft access to some of the most popular game franchises in the world, including Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and Doom.
- Tencent acquires Supercell – $8.6 billion
In June 2016, Tencent, a Chinese investment company, acquired a majority stake in the Finnish mobile game developer Supercell for $8.6 billion. Supercell is the creator of popular games like Clash of Clans and Clash Royale, and Tencent’s investment has helped the company expand its reach in the mobile gaming market.
- Activision Blizzard acquires King Digital Entertainment – $5.9 billion
In November 2015, Activision Blizzard acquired King Digital Entertainment, the developer of the mobile game Candy Crush Saga, for $5.9 billion. This acquisition has helped Activision Blizzard diversify its portfolio and expand its reach in the mobile gaming market.
- Microsoft acquires Mojang – $2.5 billion
In September 2014, Microsoft acquired Mojang, the developer of the popular game Minecraft, for $2.5 billion. This acquisition has given Microsoft access to one of the most popular games in the world, and has helped the company expand its reach in the gaming market.
- Electronic Arts acquires Codemasters – $1.2 billion
In December 2020, Electronic Arts announced its acquisition of Codemasters, a British video game developer known for racing games like Dirt and F1, for $1.2 billion. This acquisition has helped Electronic Arts expand its portfolio and strengthen its position in the racing game market.
- Zynga acquires Peak Games – $1.8 billion
In June 2020, Zynga, the developer of popular mobile games like FarmVille and Words with Friends, acquired Peak Games, a Turkish mobile game developer, for $1.8 billion. This acquisition has helped Zynga expand its portfolio and reach a wider audience in the mobile gaming market.
- Embracer Group acquires Gearbox Entertainment – $1.3 billion
In February 2021, Embracer Group, a Swedish video game holding company, announced its acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment, the developer of popular games like Borderlands and Brothers in Arms, for $1.3 billion. This acquisition has helped Embracer Group expand its portfolio and strengthen its position in the first-person shooter market.
- Activision Blizzard acquires Major League Gaming – $46 million
In January 2016, Activision Blizzard acquired Major League Gaming, a professional esports organization, for $46 million. This acquisition has helped Activision Blizzard expand its presence in the esports market and establish itself as a major player in competitive gaming.
9. Mojang Studios – $2.5 billion
Mojang Studios, the creators of the popular game Minecraft, were acquired by Microsoft in 2014 for a whopping $2.5 billion. Minecraft has sold over 200 million copies to date, making it one of the best-selling games of all time. The acquisition by Microsoft has allowed Mojang Studios to continue developing the game and expanding its reach, with new updates and features being added regularly.
10. ZeniMax Media – $7.5 billion
In 2020, Microsoft once again made waves in the gaming industry with its acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the parent company of game studios such as Bethesda Softworks, id Software, and Arkane Studios. The deal was worth $7.5 billion and has given Microsoft exclusive rights to some of the most popular game franchises of all time, including The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Doom.
11. Supercell – $8.6 billion
In 2016, Chinese technology company Tencent acquired a majority stake in Finnish mobile game developer Supercell for $8.6 billion. Supercell is responsible for popular mobile games such as Clash of Clans and Clash Royale, which have over 100 million daily active users combined.
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