The Verge: “Microsoft is acquiring Activision, the troubled publisher of Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Diablo. The deal will value Activision at $68.7 billion, far in excess of the $26 billion Microsoft paid to acquire LinkedIn in 2016. It’s Microsoft’s biggest push into gaming, and the company says it will be the “third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony” once the deal closes.”

“Satya Nadella says the deal will play a key role in the development of metaverse platforms”

“Microsoft plans to add many of Activision’s games to Xbox Game Pass once the deal closes. With the acquisition of Activision, Microsoft will soon publish franchises like Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty, and Candy Crush. “Upon close, we will offer as many Activision Blizzard games as we can within Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, both new titles and games from Activision Blizzard’s incredible catalog,” says Microsoft’s CEO of gaming Phil Spencer.”

Proactive: “EEG said a 256-player in-person tournament will be held on January 22-23, 2022, and will mark the launch of its LANDuel player-versus-player wagering platform”

“We are extremely excited to partner with one of the top global hotel and casino venues to kickstart the world of regulated peer to peer wagering in esports,” Esports Entertainment CEO Grant Johnson said.

“EEG noted that within the tournament, players will be able to place bets on their own matches as they try to make their way to the finals.”

“As well, the event space will feature a dedicated set of personal computers for non-tournament participants to compete inside matches on LANDuel. This allows eligible tournament spectators or casino guests the ability to side-wager in their own matches outside of the tournament.”

Forbes: “Today, 100 Thieves is announcing it has raised $60 million in a Series C round that values the company at $460 million.”

“That is up from a $160 million post-money valuation from two years ago after 100 Thieves raised $35 million in a Series B round.”

Kidscreen: “UK-based kids researcher and game developer Dubit has raised US$8 million in funding to support its Metaverse Gaming League (MGL) eSports program.”

“Unveiled last month, MGL is a Roblox competition series open to all players and hosted by influencers. Companies and brands are able to sponsor its game streams running on Twitch, YouTube and TikTok.”

“The company plans to use this new capital to expand MGL and launch branded events like concerts and fashion shows on Roblox.”

“Dubit is positioning its eSports program as a new way for companies to reach the large number of kids already playing on Roblox. Dubit launched MGL on Roblox, but according to co-founder Matthew Warneford, the goal is to expand the program to run on other platforms such as Fortnite Creative and Manticore, where kids can play and build their own games.”

Canaries: “Norwich City are delighted to launch the club’s first-ever esports team – 1J Esports.”

“1J Esports has been designed to provide a brand-new identity for our esports team by utilising the club location and postcode (NR1 1JE) to create a stand-alone entity, whilst still honouring our club heritage.”

“Everything related to 1J Esports can be found on the team’s dedicated webpage here, or on the 1J Esports Twitter (@1JEsports) and Twitch accounts.”

“We pride ourselves on creating a fun, welcoming community of gamers for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a professional, someone looking to improve their skills, a complete beginner, or just here for the content, there will be something for you to enjoy. All of which will aim to deliver a strong sense of belonging within our community.”

CNBC: “On Thursday, Entain agreed to acquire Unikrn, a Seattle start-up that operates a leading esports betting platform and is backed by celebrity investors including Mark Cuban and Ashton Kutcher. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.”

“Entain expects esports and social casino gaming could add $20 billion in addressable market share over time. All told, Jette Nygaard-Andersen, CEO of Entain, sees a $160 billion addressable market for sports betting, igaming, and interactive gaming.”

ABC: “Cedar Point is looking to be a leader for indoor entertainment as well, announcing Thursday that the company was exploring the potential development of an esports arena in Sandusky.”

“Cedar Fair Entertainment Company said it was partnering with Esports Development Co. to develop preliminary plans for the estimated $28 million arena, which would consist of a 1,500 seat facility, hosting a 200-station gaming hub, with locker rooms and a food court all on the first floor.”

“The second floor of the facility would include a restaurant with an outdoor terrace, a broadcast studio and ancillary office space. The third and fourth floors are to be dormitory rooms for esports camp and event attendees.”