Activision Blizzard buys Major League Gaming

The publisher continues to expand on the e-sports business

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 - 7:41pm EST

Activision Blizzard has announced the acquisition of the business of Major League Gaming (MLG). MLG is known for creating and streaming premium live gaming events, organizing professional competitions and running competitive gaming leagues.

The acquisition follows the trend of Activision trying heavily to expand into the esports business. The news follows earlier moves to creating an Esports division within the company itself, and the launch of Call of Duty World League.

"Our acquisition of Major League Gaming's business furthers our plans to create the ESPN of esports. MLG's ability to create premium content and its proven broadcast technology platform - including its live streaming capabilities - strengthens our strategic position in competitive gaming."

MLG will continue to operate MLG.tv, MLG Pro Circuit and GameBattles platforms, and will continue to work with its partners and other publishers across the industry. MLG.tv is a premium online broadcast network for professional-level esports and the MLG Pro Circuit is the longest-running esports league in North America.

MLG