Microsoft is about to make a mega takeover.
The software group wants to buy the computer and video game company Activision Blizzard for a total of 68.7 billion dollars, as Microsoft announced on Tuesday.
It would be the biggest deal in the industry ever.
The demand for video games has increased significantly since the beginning of the corona pandemic.
The software giant, which is not least behind the Xbox games console, is thus securing popular games such as "Call of Duty", "Overwatch" and "Candy Crush".
Microsoft is offering $95 per Activision Blizzard share, a 45 percent premium to Friday's closing price.
The previous head of Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick, should remain at the top of the game company, it said.
Kotick had come under criticism in recent months following allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination against company managers.
In the course of investigations, 37 employees were laid off, as Activision Blizzard announced on Monday.
44 others received a written warning.