Microsoft plans to add Activision games to Game Pass, reiterates decision to not make those franchises Xbox exclusives
Back at the beginning of the year, Microsoft shocked many with its $70 billion buyout of Activision Blizzard. The deal still hasn't been finalized, and likely won't until June 2023--the end of their fiscal year--but the Xbox brand still continues to excitedly hype up the acquisition. CEO Phil Spencer wrote an open letter today, discussing how Microsoft plans to treat the brand, once the deal is completed. As stated in the past, and reiterated once more, Activision Blizzard games that were always multiplatform, such as Call of Duty, will remain on PlayStation, and platforms that compete with Xbox, in order to extend the reach of their acquired franchises.
Phil Spencer also mentioned that once Activision Blizzard is Xbox's, gamers can expect to see titles like Overwatch, Diablo, and even Call of Duty, available on Game Pass, bolstering the staggering lineup that the service already offers. Mobile gaming will additionally be a focus of the company, as they see it, combined with their cloud technology, as a major source of new customers.
We intend to make Activision Blizzard’s much-loved library of games – including Overwatch, Diablo and Call of Duty – available in Game Pass and to grow those gaming communities. By delivering even more value to players, we hope to continue growing Game Pass, extending its appeal to mobile phones and any connected device.
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