Activision Blizzard vs Century Games

One in Three Acquired Game Studios Shut Down Since 2000

A new analysis of over 300 game studio acquisitions since 2000 reveals that one in three acquired studios has been shut down, with nearly 53% of closures occurring within five years of acquisition. The study, conducted by Sebastian Cardoso (ex-Riot, Crytek, EA) and published on the Game Studio Unlocked newsletter, found that 60.8% of acquired studios experienced either declining output or closure, while only 25.1% remained institutionally intact and producing at prior levels. The acquirer's identity strongly influenced outcomes: all 17 Activision Blizzard ownership periods ended in decline or closure, whereas Nintendo, Kadokawa, Krafton, and Sumo Group had clean records. Closures have accelerated dramatically, with 33 since 2023 compared to just one from 2019-2022. Self-founded studios fared worse, with 87.5% declining or closing, while independent studios showed a 2% closure rate over seven years.

• One in three acquired game studios shut down since 2000; 93 of 283 acquired developers have been closed.
• Nearly 53% of acquired studios that closed did so within five years of acquisition.
• 60.8% of acquired studios saw decline or closure, with only 25.1% maintaining prior production levels.

Private Equity Eyed $150bn Xbox Buyout, Microsoft Says Not For Sale

A group of private equity firms reportedly explored acquiring Microsoft's Xbox gaming division in a deal that could have valued the business between $100 billion and $150 billion, according to The Information. The talks were exploratory and did not lead to formal negotiations with Microsoft. Microsoft responded with a statement that 'Xbox is not for sale'. The report comes as Microsoft continues efforts to turn around the division, whose revenue fell 7% to $21.8 billion in the fiscal year ending June, with adjusted profit margins dropping to 3%. The division includes Activision Blizzard, acquired in 2023, and employs around 14,000 people. Microsoft has also considered spinning out Xbox or restructuring it as a wholly owned subsidiary. Recently, it announced job cuts of 3,200 employees and new divisions to expand franchises via media and live experiences.

• Private equity firms explored buying Microsoft's Xbox division, valuing it at $100-150 billion.
• The talks were exploratory and did not lead to negotiations with Microsoft; Microsoft said Xbox is not for sale.
• Xbox revenue fell 7% to $21.8 billion for the fiscal year ending June, with adjusted profit margin dropping to 3%.

Minecraft Blast testing expands to Canada and Australia

Minecraft Blast, a new puzzle game developed by King in collaboration with Mojang, is expanding its testing phase to Canada and Australia this October. The game combines Minecraft's IP with King's expertise in casual puzzle games. It was conceived after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, enabling collaboration between the two studios. The game features blast-style gameplay where players clear puzzles to earn energy and build a voxel world. Testing aims to validate player engagement, retention, and monetization. The first test in Malaysia showed positive results, and the upcoming Western test will be limited to a few weeks. A global launch is still far off, but the developers are focused on quality and broad appeal.

• Minecraft Blast is expanding its testing phase to Canada and Australia in October 2026.
• The game is developed by King, with Mojang overseeing IP representation.
• The game was conceived after Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard (including King).

Family Farm Journey – Spot The Energy

New Century Games news items added: Family Farm Journey – Spot The Energy (Aug 20), Family Farm Adventure – New App Update (Aug 17), and Bingo Aloha – Lucky Winners (Aug 17).