The video game landscape was turned on its head earlier this week, as Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is set to have a huge impact on the industry going forward. As soon as the deal was announced, fans from every platform immediately formed questions revolving around topics like exclusivity, collaborations, and franchise revivals.
Joining in on the conversation regarding the move, we’ve come up with a list of five ways Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard could impact gamers. Be sure to let us know your opinions in the comment section below.
Platform Exclusivity
Microsoft Activision Blizzard Acquisition Impact
The first thing many fans were worried about upon hearing that Microsoft had acquired Activision Blizzard obviously revolved around exclusivity rights. Does this deal mean future installments in franchises like Spyro, Crash, Diablo, Banjo Kazooie, and Overwatch will be Xbox exclusive? It’s a very interesting question, to be honest.
When Microsoft acquired ZeniMax in 2021, the company still allowed existing publishing agreements for Deathloop and Ghostwire Tokyo to arrive as timed exclusives. However, upcoming titles Redfall and Starfield are currently Xbox Series X exclusives, meaning that the company does at least value the idea of having exclusive content.
According to Bloomberg, Microsoft plans to continue releasing some of Activision’s games on PlayStation consoles but will make also content exclusive solely for Xbox as well. Only time will tell which games they are talking about.
Call of Duty’s Future
Microsoft Activision Blizzard Acquisition Impact
Arguably the most interesting ace that Microsoft has up their sleeve regarding this deal is that they now control the fate of the Call of Duty franchise.
Despite being around for almost two decades at this point, Call of Duty is still as big as ever. Whether it’s the multiplayer, Warzone battle royale, or even single-player aspects of the franchise, the series is essentially a license to print money with hardcore and casual gamers alike.
With the purchase of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft could pull the trigger and make the series an Xbox exclusive. This would obviously be huge, as it would mean that Microsoft now has exclusive rights to two of the biggest shooters on the market in Halo and Call of Duty.
Reviving Dormant Franchises
Microsoft Activision Blizzard Acquisition Impact
Microsoft is no stranger to giving fans access to the older games that they love. Whether it is Rare Replay, access to backward compatibility, or remasters like Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Xbox gamers have always had it pretty good when it comes to still having access to their favorite dormant franchises.
Now that Activision Blizzard is under its umbrella, Microsoft has a boatload of dormant franchises to play with. Just to name a few, you’ve got:
- Guitar Hero
- Starcraft
- Prototype
- Gun
- True Crime
- Skylanders
Microsoft has plenty of options with these franchises, as they can simply remaster them or can go all out with remakes or new installments. Either way, this acquisition is going to give them a lot of opportunities to cash in on nostalgia.
Activision Blizzard on Game Pass
Microsoft Activision Blizzard Acquisition Impact
Over the past few years, Game Pass has become a pillar of Microsoft and Xbox’s success. The platform features hundreds of games, including plenty of AAA titles that release day one, including titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite.
Activision and Blizzard titles will no doubt be on their way to Game Pass at some point, joining the likes of Ubisoft, EA Play, and a boatload of other big named companies and indie darlings. This means fans will likely have access to huge franchises like Call of Duty, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft on Game Pass from the get-go, further cementing the platform as the best deal in gaming.
Microsoft Smash Bros.
Microsoft Activision Blizzard Acquisition Impact
For years, Nintendo has remained untouched at the top of the mountain when it comes to its crossover fighting series, Super Smash Bros. While many games have tried to challenge its crown, including PlayStation All-Stars, Brawlhalla, and Brawlout, none have even come close to knocking it off its pedestal.
With the purchase of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft finally has a potential roster that could swoop in and take Super Smash Bros.’s spot. If you don’t believe me, just look at the insane list of characters an Xbox crossover character title has at its fingertips:
- Master Chief
- Marcus Fenix
- Crash
- Tracer
- Reinhardt
- Cuphead & Mugman
- Captain Price
- Thrall
- Doom Guy
- B.J. Blazkowicz
- Tony Hawk
- Deckard Cane
- Spyro
- Raz
- Banjo Kazooie
Honestly, those were just the ones I could think of off the top of my head, too. Now is the time, Microsoft. Give Xbox fans the Smash Bros. they’ve been waiting years for.
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