Mergers and Acquisitions
Ongoing coverage on Mergers and Acquisitions.
Latest coverage
Hyundai reportedly looking to take total control of robotics giant Boston Dynamics
Hyundai is reportedly looking to acquire full ownership of the robotics giant Boston Dynamics. This move would consolidate Hyundai's control over the advanced robotics company.
Business and Finance
Paramount is facing an antitrust challenge from state attorneys general regarding its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. Additionally, a Paramount shareholder has filed a lawsuit against the Ellisons and the board, alleging a side deal with Donald Trump.
You Can Now Order Games And Consoles From GameStop With Uber Eats
GameStop has partnered with Uber Eats, allowing customers to order games, consoles, and collectibles through the delivery app. This collaboration expands Uber Eats' retail offerings, which already include stores like Best Buy and Target. The article also touches on GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen's ongoing pursuit of acquiring eBay and the potential impact of Sony phasing out physical game discs on GameStop's business model.
Stripe and Advent to acquire PayPal (PYPL) for over $53 billion according to Reuters report
Stripe and Advent International have reportedly made a joint offer to acquire PayPal for over $53 billion, or $60.50 per share. This offer represents a significant premium over PayPal's recent stock performance, which has declined over the year amid increasing competition. Both companies would take a 50% stake if the deal closes, though PayPal, Stripe, and Advent have yet to comment.
Evening Legal Briefs
The Writers Guild of America has filed a lawsuit to block the proposed merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery. Separately, a lawsuit claims Meta Platforms made layoff decisions using AI rather than human judgment.
The WGA is also suing to block Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
The Writers Guild of America is taking legal action to prevent the potential merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery. The union's lawsuit aims to block the consolidation of media assets overseen by a single family.
Hollywood still has time to avoid the gaming industry's disastrous consolidation endgame
The article draws parallels between Hollywood's historical consolidation and the current state of the gaming industry, highlighting the risks of fewer companies controlling more assets. It discusses the potential negative impacts of mergers, such as layoffs and reduced creative diversity, using examples like Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal. California's lawsuit to block the latter merger is presented as a potential regulatory intervention.
Aream & Co: Gaming M&A hits $2.3bn in Q2, highest level since 2022
Gaming mergers and acquisitions reached $2.3 billion in Q2 2026, marking the highest level since 2022, according to Aream & Co. Mid-market acquisitions, particularly in PC and mobile gaming, drove this growth. Despite a decline in mobile installs and spending, PC gaming saw a 13% increase, and Nintendo reported significant revenue gains from its Switch 2 hardware and software.
US States Are Trying to Stop Paramount Skydance From Owning Mortal Kombat (And Everything Else)
A coalition of 12 US state attorneys general is suing Paramount Skydance to block its proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing violations of antitrust laws. The states argue the merger would stifle competition, reduce content quality, and harm movie theaters. Paramount Skydance contends the lawsuit misapplies antitrust laws and that the merger is necessary to compete with streaming giants like Netflix. The acquisition would also transfer ownership of Warner Bros. Games, including studios like NetherRealm Studios and Portkey Games, to Paramount Skydance.
Former Epic Games VP Steve Allison appointed chief business officer at Saber Interactive
Former Epic Games vice president Steve Allison has been appointed chief business officer at Saber Interactive, where he will oversee publishing, marketing, and revenue opportunities. Allison brings over thirty years of industry experience, including his work on the Epic Games Store. Saber Interactive was previously owned by Embracer before being sold to Beacon Interactive, a company founded by Saber's CEO Matthew Karch.
Business and Finance
Twelve state Attorneys General are suing to block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The article also briefly mentions Grand Theft Auto VI and The Last Blockbuster.
State AGs sue to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
A dozen state attorneys general have filed an antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The legal action aims to prevent the consolidation of these major media companies.
Oh look, the BBC and Channel 4 are in talks to merge streaming services... yet again
The BBC and Channel 4 are reportedly in discussions to merge their streaming services, marking the third such attempt since 2007. Previous collaborations involving ITV did not come to fruition. The current talks aim to consolidate their offerings in the UK market.
Atari appoints Andreas Deptolla as president of Atari Europe
Atari has appointed Andreas Deptolla as the new president of Atari Europe. Deptolla, formerly the chief technology officer, aims to strengthen Atari's network of publishers, studios, and partners across the region. The company is also focused on expanding existing European studios and is open to strategic acquisitions while continuing to invest in talent and high-quality projects.
Opinion: Welcome to the house of pain, brought to you by Xbox
Xbox is facing significant layoffs and studio closures despite massive investments in mergers and acquisitions, including the $70 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard King. CEO Asha Sharma cited a failure to meet growth expectations for Game Pass and multi-platform strategies as reasons for the 'reset,' which has resulted in over 7,000 job cuts across the company since January 2024, with more planned.
IO Interactive to shutter Istanbul studio following end of Project Fantasy deal with Xbox
IO Interactive will close its Istanbul studio following the withdrawal of Xbox's funding for its online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. The company cited the decision as necessary to maintain its independence as a AAA developer and publisher. IO Interactive has regained full ownership of Project Fantasy and plans to fund and develop it independently.
Doom creator John Romero praises the devs who carried on id Software's legacy as Microsoft reportedly lays off half of the studio: "The last few games showed real care, skill, and respect"
Doom co-creator John Romero has expressed his sympathy for id Software employees affected by recent layoffs, which reportedly cut the studio in half. Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant restructure, impacting ZeniMax Studios and its subsidiaries, including id Software, Bethesda Game Studios, and Arkane Studios. Despite reports of Bethesda focusing on its strongest franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein, the extensive layoffs at id Software, particularly among coders working on the id Tech engine, raise concerns about the future of these series.
Xbox has lost five studios – so who is left to make new video games?
Xbox has undergone significant layoffs, impacting approximately 3,200 staff members and leading to five studios divesting from the company. Xbox leadership aims to refocus on core franchises and expand its daily audience to over a billion people through its services. The article details the remaining studios, their current projects, and their future prospects under this new strategy.
Evening Reading - July 6, 2026
The video game industry is facing significant challenges, with Microsoft confirming mass layoffs that will lead to Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games becoming independent. Xbox has appointed Helen Chiang, head of Mojang Studios, as its first Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, Nintendo plans to discontinue original Switch consoles in Europe in 2027, while Microsoft is being sued in Wisconsin over data center practices.
Xbox Layoffs’ Effects on Blizzard Have Been “Comparatively Minimal” – Rumor
Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries addressed staff regarding Xbox's recent layoffs, stating the impact on Blizzard has been comparatively minimal. While further details will be shared, the company plans to focus on its major franchises like Diablo, StarCraft, and Warcraft, with potential cross-media adaptations and BlizzCon 2026 still planned. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma indicated that the layoffs are part of a broader reset due to failed bets and overextension, with approximately 3,200 job cuts planned for the fiscal year.
