Microsoft’s Game Pass Plans for Activision-Blizzard Franchises
Listening to Fans, but Patience Required
In the wake of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, discussions surrounding the integration of the company’s popular franchises into the coveted Game Pass have caught the attention of fans. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has reassured them that the company is indeed listening, emphasizing that it will take time for classic franchises to make a comeback.
Decisions Being Made Internally
In an interview with Windows Central on December 1, Spencer shed light on the future of Acti-Blizzard’s games and teasers that were made between the announcement and closing of the acquisition. He confirmed that internal decisions are already being made regarding these properties. Notably, he highlighted Game Pass as a key factor in these plans, as the service generates revenue, with Xbox investing over a billion dollars annually to support the games within it. This means carefully evaluating whether to focus on smaller experiences or to create blockbuster releases.
Emphasizing Engagement on the Platform
Spencer expressed the importance of player engagement and the role it plays in Xbox’s overall strategy. While many publishers are focused on creating blockbuster titles, Xbox’s platform and subscription service allow for a more diverse range of games. Spencer stated, “Having people play more and stay engaged on the platform, frankly, regardless of the types of games they’re playing, is a very viable part of our strategy.”
Scaling Content with Diversity
Discussing the scaling of content, Spencer referred to recent releases like Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, and Grounded. These smaller games from Xbox’s studios have been successful in promoting diversity in game development and have performed well on the subscription platform. The team intends to apply the same mindset to the acquired IP and existing games from Activision and Blizzard, expressing excitement about the possibilities. However, immediate releases should not be anticipated.
Seeking Passionate Teams
Spencer mentioned that most teams within Xbox and its studios are already occupied with ongoing projects. The goal is to find the right team with a passion for the desired project, rather than forcing development. This approach allows for a more diverse business model, supporting different games created by different teams. Not every game needs to be a time-consuming endeavor.
The Importance of Knowledge and Passion
When it comes to legacy franchises and classics that have been dormant for years, Spencer believes it is crucial to involve teams who possess knowledge and passion for the IP or idea in the development process. While original teams may not always be utilized, the lessons learned from previous work emphasize the significance of including experts who understand and appreciate the franchise.
Revisiting Beloved Franchises
Spencer highlighted the success of the Age of Empire series and the recent 10th Anniversary update for Killer Instinct, which reignited interest in the game. He expressed a willingness to explore other classics, stating, “You’ve seen from our history that we haven’t touched every franchise that people would love us to touch—Banjo-Kazooie fans, I hear you. But it is true that when we find the right team and the right opportunity, I love going back to revisit stories and characters that we’ve seen previously.”
Keeping Communication Open
Regarding the Blizzard approach, Xbox’s plan involves maintaining open communication with the leadership team of the company to determine the next steps. If there is a shared passion for revisiting an IP or reviving an old franchise, Spencer believes something could happen. He assures fans that both sides are excited about the potential, but he does not want to give false hope or mislead people. Spencer stated, “I’m not one to try and lead people on. It might not happen on the timeline that people would love, but usually when I tease, there’s something there.”