In recent years, the video game industry has evolved into one of the largest segments of the global entertainment market. As user numbers climb across PCs, consoles, and mobile devices, tech and entertainment giants have invested heavily to bring top studios, intellectual properties, and publishers into their ecosystems. Here are the most expensive acquisitions ever recorded in video game history.
Activision Blizzard – $68.7 Billion
The single largest deal in gaming history was completed by Microsoft, which finalized its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in 2023. The transaction brought iconic franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, and Candy Crush under Microsoft’s gaming banner.
Zynga – $12.7 Billion
Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, completed its acquisition of mobile publisher Zynga in 2022 for approximately $12.7 billion. Best known for FarmVille and Zynga Poker, the company significantly broadened Take-Two’s presence in the mobile gaming market.
Supercell – $8.6 Billion
In 2016, a consortium led by China’s Tencent acquired an 84.3% controlling stake in Finnish developer Supercell for approximately $8.6 billion. Supercell is the studio behind smash-hit mobile titles including Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, Hay Day, and Brawl Stars.
ZeniMax Media – $7.5 Billion
Another major move by Microsoft occurred in 2021 when it acquired ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion. Through this deal, Microsoft gained ownership of Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, and Arkane Studios, along with beloved franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, DOOM, and Dishonored.
Scopely – $4.9 Billion
In 2023, Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, acquired mobile game publisher Scopely for $4.9 billion. Scopely develops and publishes several high-earning live-service mobile titles.
Moonton – Approx. $4 Billion
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, acquired gaming studio Moonton in 2021 in a deal valued at approximately $4 billion. Moonton is best known for creating the widely popular multiplayer online battle arena title Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
Bungie – $3.6 Billion
Sony Interactive Entertainment completed the acquisition of Bungie in 2022 for $3.6 billion. Bungie is the creator and developer of the Destiny franchise and was historically responsible for launching the original Halo series.
Mojang – $2.5 Billion
Microsoft purchased Swedish development studio Mojang in 2014 for $2.5 billion. With this acquisition, Microsoft secured full ownership of Minecraft, one of the best-selling video games of all time.
Glu Mobile – $2.1 Billion
To bolster its mobile presence, Electronic Arts acquired Glu Mobile in 2021 for approximately $2.1 billion, expanding EA’s footprint across casual and mid-core mobile gaming titles.
