Microsoft recently concluded its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, one of the most monumental deals in the gaming industry. This acquisition naturally raises questions regarding when Activision Blizzard’s vast gaming library will make its way to Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has addressed this issue, shedding light on the complexities and uncertainties that contribute to the delayed timeline.

The Significance of the Acquisition

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is an event of considerable magnitude. Not only does it expand Microsoft’s portfolio with titles like Call of Duty, Warcraft, and Diablo, but it also comes at a high financial cost, with the transaction amounting to $68.7 billion. This acquisition is comparable to Microsoft’s previous purchase of ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion, although the scale and implications of the Activision Blizzard deal are arguably far more significant.

Timeline Comparison: ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard

The speed with which ZeniMax Media’s game catalog was added to Xbox Game Pass after its acquisition by Microsoft stood in stark contrast to the Activision Blizzard situation. The majority of ZeniMax Media’s titles became available on Game Pass within days following the completion of the acquisition. However, Activision Blizzard’s extensive library is not expected to appear on the subscription service for several months.

Uncertainties and Delays: Phil Spencer’s Explanation

In a recent episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, Phil Spencer delved into the reasons for the delayed addition of Activision Blizzard games to Xbox Game Pass. According to Spencer, Microsoft was not certain that the acquisition would close until the week it was finalized. This uncertainty contributed to the delay, as planning and work to integrate Activision Blizzard’s titles could only truly commence once the acquisition was certain. This has pushed the timeline for the games’ inclusion in Xbox Game Pass to potentially as far off as 2024, according to recent mentions by Activision Blizzard.

Fan Speculations and Realistic Expectations

Some members of the gaming community speculated that Microsoft might surprise its audience by adding a few Activision Blizzard games to Xbox Game Pass as celebratory additions. Phil Spencer quashed these speculations, stating that if something of that sort were to happen, he would communicate it clearly. For now, fans should set their expectations according to the more distant, official timeline.

Future Plans and Possibilities

Although a detailed timeline is yet to be released, the size of Activision Blizzard’s game catalog suggests that Microsoft could opt to add these titles to Xbox Game Pass in stages. This approach has not been confirmed but remains a possibility, given the unprecedented nature of the deal.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is an event that will undoubtedly shape the future of the gaming industry. While the extended timeline for the addition of Activision Blizzard titles to Xbox Game Pass may disappoint some fans, the reasons behind the delay are complex and rooted in the realities of such a significant acquisition.

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