While console and PC games have traditionally dominated the global gaming market, growth rates in mobile gaming revenue have made it clear that this will no longer be the case for much longer. In recent years, mobile gaming has become a lucrative sector, with many companies recognizing its potential as a significant source of revenue.

In light of this trend, Activision Blizzard's recent acquisition of King, the maker of Candy Crush Saga, is seen by many as a strategic move to tap into the growing demand for mobile games. The $5.9 billion cash and stock deal is not only a reflection of the company's commitment to mobile gaming but also its desire to diversify its intellectual property portfolio to appeal to a more global female audience.

By acquiring King, Activision Blizzard is placing two related bets on the future of the gaming industry. Firstly, the company believes that mobile games will continue to grow in importance to the overall game industry and that it needs a larger foothold in this market if it wants to continue to grow. Secondly, the acquisition demonstrates a new commitment to mobile for Activision Blizzard as well as its willingness to diversify its IP portfolio.

The acquisition of King is seen by many as a strategic move to counter the growing influence of global competitors such as EA and Tencent, which have already embraced the new sector of mobile gaming. In the past, Activision has taken a more reserved approach to mobile, releasing only a handful of titles and mainly using mobile apps as side experiences to their PC and console games.

However, with this acquisition, Activision Blizzard is signaling its intent to take a more prominent role in the mobile gaming space. The company's CEO, Bobby Kotick, recently stated that 'we believe now is the right time to engage with mobile gaming in a meaningful way.' This statement suggests that the company recognizes the importance of mobile gaming as a key factor of growth for publishers in today's gaming market.

The acquisition also opens up new opportunities for Activision Blizzard. As King CEO Ricardo Zacconi explained, 'this opens up opportunities we didn't have before.' The Dublin-based games maker will continue to be run by Zacconi as an independent unit of Activision, allowing the company to maintain its autonomy while still benefiting from the resources and expertise of its new parent.

The acquisition has also been welcomed by industry experts. Fabien Nicolas, Vice President of Marketing Communications & Community at App Annie, commented that 'this acquisition highlights the importance of mobile as a key factor of growth for publishers in today's gaming market.' This sentiment is echoed by many in the gaming industry, who see the acquisition as a sign of Activision Blizzard's commitment to staying relevant in a rapidly changing market.

In conclusion, the acquisition of King by Activision Blizzard marks an important shift in the company's strategy towards mobile gaming. By acquiring one of the most successful and popular mobile game developers, Activision Blizzard is signaling its intent to take a more prominent role in the mobile gaming space. The acquisition also opens up new opportunities for the company, allowing it to tap into the growing demand for mobile games and diversify its intellectual property portfolio.

With this acquisition, Activision Blizzard is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming industry, and it will be interesting to see how the company's strategy evolves in the coming years. Whether or not the acquisition pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - mobile gaming is here to stay, and Activision Blizzard is committed to being a major player in this growing sector.

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