Microsoft and Activision Blizzard: A New Approach to Game Development
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard has spurred a new initiative: the creation of a team within Blizzard dedicated to developing AA titles based on established franchises. This strategy aims to leverage existing IPs while exploring a more cost-effective development model. Let's delve into the details.
King's Mobile Expertise Fuels Blizzard's AA Push
According to Windows Central's Jez Corden, this new team is largely composed of King employees. This leverages King's extensive experience in mobile game development, particularly with popular titles like Candy Crush. The focus, therefore, is expected to be on creating mobile AA games using Blizzard's well-known IP portfolio. King's past experience with mobile adaptations of existing IPs, such as Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! (though now discontinued), and their announced (though currently unclear) plans for a Call of Duty mobile game, hints at the potential direction of this new endeavor.
Microsoft's Mobile Ambitions
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was largely driven by the desire to bolster its mobile gaming presence, as highlighted by Xbox CEO Phil Spencer at Gamescom 2023 and CCXP 2023. He emphasized the lack of significant mobile capabilities within Microsoft's existing structure and cited this deficiency as the primary motivator for the acquisition. This new team is a direct response to this strategic objective, and complements Microsoft's ongoing development of a competing mobile app store.
The AA Approach: Smaller Scale, Bigger Impact?
The rising costs associated with AAA game development are prompting Microsoft to experiment with smaller, more agile teams. The formation of this new team is a testament to this shift in strategy. While specific projects remain undisclosed, speculation abounds. Potential candidates include mobile adaptations of existing franchises like World of Warcraft (similar to League of Legends: Wild Rift) or a mobile Overwatch experience comparable to Apex Legends Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile. This approach allows for testing the waters in the mobile market with lower financial risk, while simultaneously expanding the reach of established franchises.
