After nearly two years of legal battles and discussions with regulators, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has finally materialized. Valued at $69 billion, this is the most significant purchase in Microsoft’s history and a momentous occasion for the gaming industry. One of the central questions arising from this acquisition is the timeline for Activision Blizzard games appearing on Xbox Game Pass. This article delves into that topic, based on official statements and historical precedents.

Past Acquisitions by Microsoft and Their Impact on Game Pass

Microsoft is no stranger to gaming acquisitions, having purchased Bethesda in March 2021. Within a week, 20 titles from Bethesda’s catalog were added to Xbox Game Pass. Subsequently, the mainline Fallout series and several other Bethesda games were made available on Game Pass. Most recently, Starfield, a new release from Bethesda, received high praise and has been cited as one of Microsoft’s best exclusive titles in over a decade. Given this history, it is reasonable to expect a similar fast-paced inclusion of Activision Blizzard titles into Game Pass.

Unique Challenges with Activision Blizzard

However, the integration of Activision Blizzard poses unique challenges compared to past acquisitions. For instance, Call of Duty, one of the largest gaming franchises, has multiple licensing deals that could complicate its immediate availability on Game Pass. Statements from Activision Blizzard have been notably vague, suggesting that premium games like Modern Warfare III and Diablo IV might only be added to Game Pass in 2024.

Timelines and Expectations for Game Inclusion

Though the specifics remain uncertain, there is a general expectation that some Activision Blizzard games will be added to Xbox Game Pass relatively quickly, possibly within the next week. Despite this, the company has expressed no plans to add particular premium titles in 2023. Given the size and complexity of this acquisition, delays in adding certain titles should not be surprising.

The Future Opportunities for Microsoft and Game Pass

With the completion of this acquisition, Microsoft stands at the brink of a considerable opportunity. The inclusion of Activision Blizzard’s catalog could massively elevate the profiles of Xbox and PC Game Pass. Furthermore, cloud gaming and mobile gaming stand to gain significantly from this integration. Nonetheless, players might have to exercise patience before seeing their favorite titles on Game Pass.

Final Thoughts

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is a milestone event with long-reaching implications for the gaming community. While it is tempting to expect an immediate influx of Activision Blizzard titles into Game Pass, various factors, such as existing licensing agreements, may delay this process. It’s a wait-and-see scenario, but the potential benefits for Microsoft and Game Pass users are immense.

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