The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is surely far from being over at this stage. While terms of the deal are agreed upon, there are a lot of paperwork to be done and approvals to be obtained. As much as the process is currently progressing forward smoothly, Microsoft is still treading very carefully and making sure that each and every single step is taken correctly. Some examples are their approach to app stores and keeping Call of Duty on PlayStation.
But there are more difficult matters like the recent lawsuits that took place around Activision Blizzard regarding the workplace culture and harassment. The toxicity was immense and it is still a question about how Microsoft will position itself around it. President Brad Smith said that it requires a combination of commitment and humility, which for now remains the responsibility of Activision Blizzard management.
Smith also said “We’re looking to the leadership team at Activision Blizzard today to make culture and workplace safety a top priority every single day until the day when this deal hopefully closes. And then we’ll take over, and we need to make it that same commitment.”
Last but not least, Smith very clearly mentioned that Activision Blizzard is currently taking the steps in an active position, but Microsoft is carefully watching those steps to see if everything is done correctly.
