Canada

Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone, across every device

Published

4 years ago

January 18, 2022

Legendary games, immersive interactive entertainment and publishing expertise accelerate growth in Microsoft’s Gaming business across mobile, PC, console and cloud.

With three billion people actively playing games today, and fueled by a new generation steeped in the joys of interactive entertainment, gaming is now the largest and fastest-growing form of entertainment. Today, Microsoft Corp. announced plans to acquire Activision Blizzard Inc., a leader in game development and interactive entertainment content publisher. This acquisition will accelerate the growth in Microsoft’s gaming business across mobile, PC, console and cloud and will provide building blocks for the metaverse.

Microsoft will acquire Activision Blizzard for $95.00 per share, in an all-cash transaction valued at $68.7 billion, inclusive of Activision Blizzard’s net cash. When the transaction closes, Microsoft will become the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. The planned acquisition includes iconic franchises from the Activision, Blizzard and King studios like “Warcraft,” “Diablo,” “Overwatch,” “Call of Duty” and “Candy Crush,” in addition to global eSports activities through Major League Gaming. The company has studios around the word with nearly 10,000 employees.

Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard, and he and his team will maintain their focus on driving efforts to further strengthen the company’s culture and accelerate business growth. Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming.

“Gaming is the most dynamic and exciting category in entertainment across all platforms today and will play a key role in the development of metaverse platforms,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “We’re investing deeply in world-class content, community and the cloud to usher in a new era of gaming that puts players and creators first and makes gaming safe, inclusive and accessible to all.”

“Players everywhere love Activision Blizzard games, and we believe the creative teams have their best work in front of them,” said Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming. “Together we will build a future where people can play the games they want, virtually anywhere they want.”

“For more than 30 years our incredibly talented teams have created some of the most successful games,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard. “The combination of Activision Blizzard’s world-class talent and extraordinary franchises with Microsoft’s technology, distribution, access to talent, ambitious vision and shared commitment to gaming and inclusion will help ensure our continued success in an increasingly competitive industry.”

Mobile is the largest segment in gaming, with nearly 95% of all players globally enjoying games on mobile. Through great teams and great technology, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard will empower players to enjoy the most-immersive franchises, like “Halo” and “Warcraft,” virtually anywhere they want. And with games like “Candy Crush,” Activision Blizzard´s mobile business represents a significant presence and opportunity for Microsoft in this fast-growing segment.

The acquisition also bolsters Microsoft’s Game Pass portfolio with plans to launch Activision Blizzard games into Game Pass, which has reached a new milestone of over 25 million subscribers. With Activision Blizzard’s nearly 400 million monthly active players in 190 countries and three billion-dollar franchises, this acquisition will make Game Pass one of the most compelling and diverse lineups of gaming content in the industry. Upon close, Microsoft will have 30 internal game development studios, along with additional publishing and esports production capabilities.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and completion of regulatory review and Activision Blizzard’s shareholder approval. The deal is expected to close in fiscal year 2023 and will be accretive to non-GAAP earnings per share upon close. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Activision Blizzard.

Canada

Altenar Joins Alberta’s New Regulated iGaming Market

Published

12 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

altenar-joins-alberta’s-new-regulated-igaming-market

Today marks the official launch of Alberta’s regulated online gaming market, a significant milestone for the Canadian iGaming industry and an important step in Altenar’s continued expansion across North America.

Having secured approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), Altenar is fully prepared to support licensed operators entering Canada’s newest regulated jurisdiction with its award-winning sportsbook technology.

The opening of Alberta’s market establishes Canada’s second regulated online gaming province after Ontario, creating fresh opportunities for operators seeking sustainable growth within a regulated framework.

With a strong track record across regulated markets worldwide, Altenar is well positioned to help partners launch competitive sportsbook offerings that prioritize player engagement, operational flexibility and long-term success.

As competition intensifies from day one, operators will be focused on delivering high-quality betting experiences capable of attracting playersAltenar’s scalable sportsbook solution, extensive customization capabilities and regulatory expertise provide operators with the tools needed to compete effectively in this evolving market.

Matthew Ferrara, Sales Manager at Altenar, said:

“The launch of Alberta’s regulated market is an important moment not only for the province but for the wider Canadian industry. Regulation creates opportunities for operators to build trusted brands while giving players access to safer, more transparent betting environments.

“We’re excited to support our partners as they enter this new market. Success in Alberta will depend on offering a premium player experience from the very beginning – fast, reliable technology, competitive betting content and the flexibility to adapt as the market evolves. Those are exactly the areas where Altenar delivers value, and we look forward to helping operators grow sustainably in one of North America’s most promising new jurisdictions.”

Alberta represents another important milestone in Altenar’s North American growth strategy as the company continues to expand its presence in regulated markets, providing operators with the technology and expertise needed to succeed in increasingly competitive environments.

The post Altenar Joins Alberta’s New Regulated iGaming Market appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

DraftKings Set to Launch its Online Sportsbook and Casino in Alberta

Published

14 hours ago

July 13, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

draftkings-set-to-launch-its-online-sportsbook-and-casino-in-alberta

DraftKings is set to launch its top-rated online sportsbook and casino, along with its Golden Nugget Online Gaming brand, in Alberta on July 13. Alberta will become the second Canadian province and the 34th jurisdiction across North America where DraftKings Sportsbook is available. With the launch, DraftKings Casino will be available in five U.S. states and Golden Nugget Online Gaming casino in four U.S. states, with both brands available in Alberta and Ontario in Canada.

“We’re thrilled to launch DraftKings Sportsbook and DraftKings Casino, as well as Golden Nugget Online Gaming in Alberta and continue expanding our presence in Canada. Alberta is home to a passionate sports fan base, and we’re excited to bring customers across the province our industry-leading sports betting and online casino experiences. Launching during one of the biggest moments in global sports, with the World Cup taking place across North America, makes this an especially exciting time to welcome Albertans to DraftKings,” said Greg Karamitis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sports at DraftKings.

To celebrate the launch in Alberta, DraftKings employees will volunteer with Food Banks Alberta and present a $150,000 donation to the organization. The funding will purchase over 40,000 pounds of essential food items to be distributed through Food Banks Alberta’s network of member food banks, ensuring resources reach communities both large and small throughout Alberta. This donation will help provide essential food support, including high demand items like fruits and vegetables and baby formula to individuals and families facing hunger, while strengthening local food banks’ ability to meet growing demand.

Eligible customers in Alberta will have access to DraftKings’ comprehensive suite of sports betting and online casino offerings. From same-game parlays, live in-game wagering, and special odds boosts on DraftKings Sportsbook to thousands of casino games, including fan-favorite titles like “Wheel of Fortune – Triple Extreme Spin,” exclusive slot titles, as well as progressive jackpots across Golden Nugget Online Gaming and DraftKings Casino, DraftKings delivers one of the industry’s most robust and engaging entertainment experiences.

DraftKings leads the industry in responsible engagement by promoting customer awareness and use of budget and control tools and resources like deposit limits, cool off periods, and self-exclusion to help customers have a fun source of entertainment with a brand they can trust.

The post DraftKings Set to Launch its Online Sportsbook and Casino in Alberta appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Canada

High 5 Games Expands Across Alberta’s Open iGaming Market Following AGLC Supplier Approval

Published

4 days ago

July 10, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

high-5-games-expands-across-alberta’s-open-igaming-market-following-aglc-supplier-approval

High 5 Games, the creator of premium casino content for the land based, online and social gaming markets announced it has secured supplier approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), extending its games beyond Play Alberta to all licensed operators in the province’s newly opened commercial iGaming market.

High 5 Games has entertained Alberta players since 2024 through Play Alberta, the province’s government operated gaming platform, where titles such as DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and more have become established player favourites. With Alberta’s commercial market now open, that same proven portfolio is available to all licensed operators entering the province.

Alberta’s commercial iGaming market will be opening on July 13, 2026, making it the second Canadian province after Ontario to welcome private sector operators. Overseen by AGLC and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), the market launched with nearly 50 registered operator brands, one of the most anticipated regulated market openings in North America this year.

The approval extends High 5 Games’ regulated North American footprint, which includes New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia. Alberta players will gain access to High 5’s catalogue of player favourite titles, including DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and other titles through launch partnerships with operators.

“Alberta players already know and love our games through Play Alberta, that is a head start no newcomer to this market can claim. With the open market live, every operator in the province can now offer their players the award winning High 5 titles they have been playing for years, from day one.” says Tony Singer, CEO at High 5 Games.

High 5 Games’ content is certified across New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, British Columbia and the studio has developed more than 300 games over three decades of game making.

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