Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard is on the verge of finalization. The deal, scrutinized heavily by regulatory bodies in the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom, is expected to close this week. Just days before this monumental event, Activision released a statement offering a glimpse into its future with Xbox Game Pass. This article delves into the details and implications of Activision’s plans and the forthcoming changes in the gaming landscape.

Regulatory Hurdles and Current Status

The $72 billion acquisition has undergone rigorous analysis primarily in the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has recently given “provisional” approval to the deal. Although not a guaranteed green light, this provisional approval is considered as close to a positive outcome as one could expect.

Future Activision-Xbox Game Pass Integration

Despite prior statements from Microsoft regarding the inclusion of Call of Duty titles into the Xbox Game Pass, Activision clarified that such plans are not yet concrete. The gaming company noted that further Game Pass integrations are expected “next year,” in 2024. It went on to state that it has no immediate plans to include premium titles like Diablo IV or the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass for this year.

Revenue Models and Market Strategy

Call of Duty is a revenue machine for Activision, fueled not only by retail sales but also by microtransactions. The inclusion of such a franchise in the Xbox Game Pass could have dual implications. On one hand, cheaper access might boost user numbers and thereby increase in-app purchases. On the other hand, it could disrupt the current revenue model based on premium retail sales.

Legacy Titles and Potential Offerings

The acquisition does not just spotlight contemporary hits like Call of Duty. There are dozens, possibly hundreds, of legacy titles ranging from Spyro to StarCraft that Microsoft could incorporate into Xbox Game Pass. Over the summer, Microsoft and Activision revived Xbox 360 servers for classic Call of Duty games, fueling speculation that older titles could initially make their way into the service.

What To Expect Next

With the acquisition likely closing soon, the gaming community is keenly watching for any changes. Our sources indicate that once the deal finalizes, a slew of new games could be added to Xbox Game Pass, possibly as early as next week.

Final Thoughts

The imminent closing of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard is a seminal event in the gaming industry. While concrete plans concerning Xbox Game Pass are yet to be outlined, the scope of potential game inclusions is vast. Both companies are likely to tread cautiously, weighing the potential benefits and pitfalls before making any substantial changes to existing business models or service offerings.

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