At the dawn of 2022, the gaming world was abuzz with Microsoft’s announcement of its intent to acquire gaming behemoth, Activision, in a deal worth just shy of $70 billion. This acquisition would not only grant Microsoft the reins to iconic franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch but also the creative minds behind these titles.
Key Highlights:
- Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision valued at nearly $70 billion.
- Access to major franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch.
- Phil Spencer, Xbox boss, hints at revisiting dormant Activision franchises.
- Potential revival of franchises like Spyro the Dragon, Guitar Hero, and Hexen.
- Activision CEO Bobby Kotick hinted at a possible Guitar Hero comeback.
A Power Move in the Gaming Industry:
The acquisition has been a topic of intense scrutiny, with many in the industry pondering the implications of such a massive consolidation of power. After nearly two years of negotiations, regulatory hurdles, and discussions with other platform giants like Sony, Microsoft emerged victorious, sealing the Activision deal.
The Future of Activision Under Xbox:
While gamers might be eager to see the immediate benefits of this merger, they might have to temper their expectations. For instance, Activision titles won’t be gracing the Xbox Game Pass until 2024, and the much-anticipated Call of Duty won’t be a day-one Game Pass inclusion until the subsequent year.
However, in a recent episode of the official Xbox podcast, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, shed some light on the potential future of Activision under Microsoft’s umbrella. He expressed interest in revisiting some of the older, now dormant, Activision franchises. While Activision has been predominantly focused on its flagship title, Call of Duty, in recent years, it has left several of its other franchises, like Spyro the Dragon, Guitar Hero, and Hexen, in the shadows.
A Collaborative Future:
Spencer emphasized collaboration, stating his intent to work closely with Activision teams to understand their passions and aspirations. With the added advantage of the Xbox Game Pass, there’s potential for revisiting and rejuvenating classic games, bringing them back into the limelight. The decision, Spencer suggests, will largely be in the hands of the developers, giving them the autonomy to decide which franchises to revive.
There’s also speculation about the possibility of Activision teams collaborating on Xbox-exclusive franchises. Over the past decade, Activision has faced criticism for its increasing reliance on the Call of Duty franchise, often at the expense of its other titles. This merger might offer an opportunity to diversify and explore new horizons.
Summary:
The Microsoft-Activision deal marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape. While the immediate benefits might not be evident, the potential for reviving classic franchises offers a promising future for both companies and gamers alike. As the two giants collaborate, the gaming community waits with bated breath to witness the resurgence of beloved titles and the birth of new gaming experiences.
