Microsoft in talks to buy Discord for more than $10 billion

Microsoft is in talks to acquire Discord, a popular video-game chat community.

The COVID-19 pandemic boosted prospects of gaming companies as people stayed at home and turned to video games for entertainment during lockdowns. (Reuters)

Microsoft Corp. is in talks to acquire Discord Inc., a video-game chat community, for more than $10 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

Discord reached out to potential buyers, and Microsoft is in the running, but no deal is imminent, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. Discord is more likely to go public than sell itself, one person said.

Representatives for Microsoft and Discord declined to comment. Venture Beat reported that Discord was in talks to sell itself earlier today.

According to Reuters, The San Francisco-based company, which has received interest from multiple buyers, is in final talks with one party, the report said.

Discord said the company does not comment on rumors or speculation.

The COVID-19 pandemic boosted prospects of gaming companies as people stayed at home and turned to video games for entertainment during lockdowns.

U.S. gaming company Roblox made a strong market debut earlier this month after going public through a direct listing rather than a traditional initial public offering.

(with inputs from Reuters)