Activision Blizzard, a major player in the gaming industry, has begun discussing its plans regarding the inclusion of its titles in Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass. This conversation gains significance as Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard nears completion. In this article, we delve into what gamers could expect from this acquisition, especially considering Microsoft’s track record with its game subscription service.
Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard: A Brief Overview
The acquisition process has been long and complex. Yet, the end appears to be in sight, adding another chapter to Microsoft’s history of strategic acquisitions to bolster its Xbox Game Pass offering. For context, Microsoft previously acquired ZeniMax Media, including Bethesda, in March 2021. A mere two days later, Microsoft incorporated 20 titles from Bethesda Games into Xbox Game Pass. This speedy action provides an idea of what might happen when the Activision Blizzard deal is finalized.
Activision Blizzard’s Stance on Xbox Game Pass
Activision Blizzard recently released a statement about the realistic prospect of its games being added to Xbox Game Pass. Shared on social media platforms, the statement eased concerns that newly and recently released titles, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo 4, could appear on the service soon. However, the wording leaves room for future changes. Specifically, Activision Blizzard states that it anticipates adding its games to Xbox Game Pass “sometime in the course of next year.”
Reading Between the Lines: Uncertainties and Possibilities
The language used in Activision Blizzard’s statement is non-committal. It only mentions specific titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo 4, without touching upon others. Moreover, it suggests that active collaboration with Microsoft would commence as soon as the acquisition is finalized. This opens up a range of possibilities, including the likelihood of other games from Activision Blizzard’s portfolio being added to Xbox Game Pass sooner than anticipated.
Timing of the Acquisition and Upcoming Game Releases
Current speculation suggests that the acquisition deal will close on October 13. With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 set to launch on November 10, there’s a narrow window for Microsoft to confirm its plans. This information is crucial for gamers who are deciding whether to purchase the game or wait for its potential inclusion in Xbox Game Pass.
Final Thoughts
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft and its potential impact on Xbox Game Pass raises several questions and possibilities. While definite plans are still under wraps, Microsoft’s history and Activision Blizzard’s recent statements offer clues for gamers pondering their next move. As the deal moves closer to finalization, the gaming community will be watching closely for official updates.
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