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The recent completion of Microsoft's acquisition deal with Activision Blizzard has brought about a major change in the cloud gaming landscape. Among the terms of this agreement, Ubisoft has secured the cloud streaming rights for all current and future Activision Blizzard games for the next 15 years. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of this landmark deal, its global implications, and its impact on the gaming community. Terms of the Ubisoft and Activision Blizzard Deal Ubisoft now has the authority to control where Activision Blizzard games will be available on cloud gaming platforms. However, there are exceptions in the European Economic Area (EEA), which consists of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. In these areas, gamers will be granted a free license to stream Activision Blizzard games via cloud services of their choice. Outside the EEA, Ubisoft will dictate which platforms get the cloud streaming rights for these games. Furthermore, Microsoft will have to pay a wholesale arrangement fee to license Activision Blizzard titles for its Xbox Cloud Gaming service. Why Ubisoft Was Chosen A multitude of companies aspired to secure the cloud gaming rights for Activision Blizzard games. During this process, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority evaluated each contender based on its compatibility with cloud gaming. Ubisoft was ultimately chosen due to its extensive experience in the streaming space. As stated by Chris Early, Ubisoft’s SVP of strategic partnerships and business development, the company has been active partners with major cloud gaming services such as Google Stadia, Amazon Luna, and NVIDIA GeForce Now. The Role of Ubisoft Plus The Activision Blizzard games will now become available on Ubisoft Plus, which is Ubisoft's game subscription service. Even though the deal is valid for 15 years, the licenses acquired are perpetual, meaning that Ubisoft will still retain these rights indefinitely after the 15-year term. Ubisoft can also individually license these games to other companies, allowing them to add these titles to their streaming services. Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming Agreements in the EU To comply with EU regulations, Microsoft has also struck several deals to make Activision Blizzard games available on various cloud gaming platforms. These include agreements with Nvidia, Boosteroid, Nware, Ubitus, and the British mobile network provider, EE. Microsoft has also committed to keeping Activision Blizzard games, specifically Call of Duty, available on Nintendo and Sony platforms and has reaffirmed its commitment to Valve to keep the game on its Steam store. The Future Implications This deal is monumental not just for Ubisoft and Activision Blizzard but also for the gaming community at large. It paves the way for more comprehensive cloud gaming services and sets a precedent for similar deals in the future. The only potential backlash could come from attempts to create exclusivity, which is unlikely given the scrutiny this deal has already undergone. Final Thoughts The cloud gaming rights deal between Ubisoft and Activision Blizzard is a pivotal moment in the gaming industry. It not only changes the way these companies will operate but also affects where and how gamers will access Activision Blizzard games on cloud platforms. The long-term implications of this deal are yet to unfold, but they are bound to significantly shape the cloud gaming landscape. Also Read:

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cloud streaming rights

Understanding Ubisoft and Activision Blizzard’s Cloud Gaming Deal and Its Implications