Microsoft is buying the gaming company Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, gaining access to blockbuster games like Call of Duty and Candy Crush.
The all-cash deal will let Microsoft, maker of the Xbox gaming system, accelerate mobile gaming and provide building blocks for the metaverse, or a virtual environment.
The announcement Tuesday arrives with Activision still in turmoil over allegations of misconduct and unequal pay.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a conference call with investors that “the culture of our organization is my number one priority,” and that “it’s critical for Activision Blizzard to drive forward on its” commitments to improve its workplace culture.
Activision disclosed last year it was being investigated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over complaints of workplace discrimination.
