Activision Blizzard Lands Major League Deal Buying Major League Gaming

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Steve Anderson
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Activision Blizzard Lands Major League Deal Buying Major League Gaming

It had been rumored for some time that Activision Blizzard was out to get its hands on Major League Gaming, and the official word arrived on Monday that the deal had been done. With this acquisition, reports suggested, Activision Blizzard was out to create no less than "the ESPN of eSports." Can it pull off such a feat, or is this doomed to disaster from day one?

Activision Blizzard will have plenty to work with, reports note, including as CEO Bobby Kotick put it, "...an incredibly strong and seasoned team and a thriving community."  Meanwhile, Activision Blizzard will be bringing in its "strategic position in competitive gaming," which will likely only be improved by the acquisition of MLG.

Earlier reports suggesting that MLG CEO Sundance DiGiovanni had left the company were proven false, as the Activision Blizzard reports noted that it was "...excited to add Sundance and the entire MLG eSports team," meaning layoffs were few, if any, which is always good news.

We all know that eSports has been on a rapid expansion upward in recent months, with loads of new players, new viewers, new sponsors and big new prize pools. With Activision Blizzard behind it--still holder of the biggest franchise around in World of Warcraft--it should be a great boost to MLG's already impressive fortunes. Just what Activision Blizzard will do with its new property is as yet unclear, but it's a safe bet we'll see a lot more Activision Blizzard games involved in the mix, and even some more promotion. Most of those who know about eSports were already interested from the get-go; a little outreach right now might bring some fresh faces in.


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