Microsoft Officially Acquires Activision Blizzard for $69 Billion: What This Means for Xbox

Finally, after nearly two years since the initial announcement, Microsoft has completed its massive $69 billion acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard. This monumental deal now makes Activision Blizzard, the company behind popular franchises like Call of Duty and Diablo, a part of Xbox’s first-party umbrella. As a result, Xbox’s collection of IPs and game franchises has significantly expanded to include renowned titles such as Overwatch and World of Warcraft.

The Impressive Lineup of Activision Blizzard Game Franchises Now Owned by Xbox

• Call of Duty: A mega-popular first-person shooter franchise known for its intense gameplay and immersive narratives.
• Crash Bandicoot: Acquired by Activision in 2008, this beloved platformer series has charmed fans for years.
• Diablo: The critically acclaimed action role-playing game series hailed for its dark and atmospheric gameplay.
• Gabriel Knight: Obtained through the acquisition of Vivendi Universal, this adventure series has captivated players with its intriguing storytelling.
• Geometry Wars: Another gem from the Vivendi Universal acquisition, this series offers fast-paced arcade-style shooting action.
• Guitar Hero: After acquiring RedOctane, Activision became the driving force behind this iconic music rhythm game.
• Gun: A Wild West-themed open-world action game that offers players an immersive journey.
• Hearthstone: Blizzard’s popular digital collectible card game set in the Warcraft universe.
• Heroes of the Storm: An online multiplayer battle arena game featuring heroes from various Blizzard franchises.
• Heavy Gear: A series of mech-based combat games set in a futuristic world.
• Heretic: Acquired through the purchase of Raven Software, this first-person shooter series has a devoted following.
• Interstate ’76: A vehicular combat game set in the 1970s, offering a unique and stylish experience.
• King’s Quest: Obtained from Vivendi Universal, this classic adventure game series is renowned for its charming characters and clever puzzles.
• Laura Bow Mystery Series: Another gem from the Vivendi Universal acquisition, this series features thrilling mystery adventures.
• The Lost Vikings: A puzzle-platformer series that challenges players to control three unique Viking characters with different abilities.
• Overwatch: Blizzard’s immensely popular team-based first-person shooter that has captured the hearts of millions.
• Phantasmagoria: Acquired through Vivendi Universal, this series explores psychological horror and interactive storytelling.
• Pitfall: An iconic platformer game that has entertained players with its daring adventures and treacherous obstacles.
• Police Quest: Obtained from Vivendi Universal, this series provides a realistic police simulation experience.
• Prototype: A series of action-adventure games that allow players to control a shape-shifting anti-hero with extraordinary powers.
• Quest for Glory: Part of the Vivendi Universal acquisition, this series blends role-playing and adventure elements.
• Singularity: A sci-fi first-person shooter that combines an engaging storyline with time manipulation mechanics.
• Ski Resort Tycoon: A simulation game that lets players build and manage their own ski resorts.
• Skylanders: This series revolutionized the toys-to-life genre, allowing players to bring physical toys into the digital world.
• Soldier of Fortune: A gritty first-person shooter series that emphasizes realistic combat and intense action.
• Space Quest: Part of the Vivendi Universal acquisition, this humorous adventure series takes players on space-faring escapades.
• Spyro: Acquired from Vivendi Universal, this beloved platformer series features the adventures of a courageous purple dragon.
• Starcraft: Blizzard’s iconic real-time strategy game series set in a futuristic science fiction universe.
• SWAT: As part of the Police Quest series acquired from Vivendi Universal, these tactical shooters offer intense law enforcement simulations.
• Tenchu: Xbox owns the rights to the games in this series released before From Software acquired the franchise rights in 2004.
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater: This beloved skateboarding franchise has entertained fans with its impressive tricks and immersive gameplay.
• True Crime: A series of open-world action-adventure games that put players in the shoes of a detective solving criminal cases.
• Ultimate Soccer Manager: Part of the Vivendi Universal acquisition, this series allows players to manage and lead their own soccer teams.
• Warcraft: Blizzard’s legendary fantasy real-time strategy game series, known for its epic battles and intricate lore.
• World of Warcraft: The massively multiplayer online role-playing game that revolutionized the genre and continues to captivate millions of players.
• Zork: Obtained through the acquisition of Infocom, this classic text-adventure series holds a special place in gaming history.

The New King Games Added to Xbox’s Lineup

(Note: Activision Blizzard purchased King in February 2016 for $5.9 billion)

• Bubble Saga
• Bubble Witch Saga
• Hoop de Loop Saga
• Candy Crush Saga
• Pyramid Solitaire Saga
• Pet Rescue Saga
• Papa Pear Saga
• Farm Heroes Saga
• Pepper Panic Saga
• Bubble Witch 2 Saga
• Diamond Digger Saga
• Candy Crush Soda Saga
• AlphaBetty Saga
• Scrubby Dubby Saga
• Paradise Bay
• Blossom Blast Saga
• Candy Crush Jelly Saga
• Farm Heroes Super Saga
• Shuffle Cats
• Bubble Witch 3 Saga
• Legend of Solgard
• Diamond Diaries Saga
• Candy Crush Friends Saga
• Pet Rescue Puzzle Saga
• Knighthood – Epic RPG Knights
• Crash Bandicoot: On The Run!
• Rebel Riders

Although some of these game franchises have been dormant for years or even decades, they now fall under the Xbox umbrella. Xbox has the potential to revive any of these titles or develop sequels to the existing games on this extensive list.

A recent all-hands employee meeting held by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick and hosted by former late-night host James Corden revealed the possibility of a Guitar Hero revival and more exciting projects. Kotick will continue to serve as CEO until the end of the year, aiding in the transition process as requested by Xbox head Phil Spencer.

Which franchises are you most excited to see new games from now that Xbox owns them? Share your thoughts in the comments below!