What is Microsoft doing with Activision Blizzard’s games?

What is Microsoft doing with Activision Blizzard’s games?

San Francisco, Jan. 24, 2020

Sony expects Microsoft to stick to its „contractual agreements“ to ensure Activision Blizzard games remain available across platforms.

Microsoft’s proposed purchase of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has raised the possibility of future Xbox and subscription game exclusivity for Activision franchises, which include „Call of Duty“ and „World of Warcraft.“

In a document filed with the SEC over the acquisition, Activision Blizzard said it has no intention of „removing content from platforms where it exists today.“

Meanwhile, Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer said Activision Blizzard’s games are used on a variety of platforms and the company „will continue to support those communities.“

However, Microsoft may continue to seek Xbox exclusivity when contractual agreements for PlayStation games expire. In 2021, „Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold“ War was the second most popular game on the PlayStation 5 after Fortnite.

According to reports, the Minecraft game has remained on other consoles, including the PlayStation, following Microsoft’s acquisition of Minecraft developer Mojang in 2014.

When the deal is finalized, Microsoft will become the third largest game maker in the world behind China’s Tencent and Japan’s Sony.