In a surprising announcement made on a recent podcast, Xbox chief Phil Spencer confirmed that the highly-anticipated inclusion of Activision Blizzard games in Xbox Game Pass won't materialize until 2024. This decision stems from the regulatory challenges Microsoft faced in acquiring the gaming giant, which, as we'll explore, has had a significant impact on the gaming community's expectations. In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of this development, the implications for gamers, and the journey that led to this decision.
The Regulatory Roadblock
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was a lengthy and tumultuous process, taking more than a year to come to fruition. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was a major hurdle during this time, expressing concerns about potential anti-competitive outcomes resulting from the $69 billion acquisition. The key concern was that Microsoft might make some of the popular Activision Blizzard games exclusive to Xbox, thereby eliminating them from the PlayStation platform. This uncertainty created a cloud of doubt over the acquisition.
The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority, acting as the final regulatory holdout, granted approval for the deal only last week, finally clearing the path for Microsoft to become the third-largest gaming company in the world by revenue, following Tencent and Sony. The protracted regulatory process caused considerable delays, ultimately impacting the release schedule of Activision Blizzard games on Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass: A Game-Changer
Xbox Game Pass has been a game-changer in the gaming industry, offering a subscription-based service that allows players to access a wide selection of video games without the need to make individual purchases. Starting at just $10 a month, it offers gaming enthusiasts the opportunity to explore a vast library of titles without breaking the bank.
Gamers had high expectations after Microsoft's previous success when they added 20 games to Xbox Game Pass shortly after acquiring Bethesda in 2021 for a staggering $7.5 billion. This move saw the introduction of beloved franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout to the service, leading players to anticipate a similar swift integration of Activision Blizzard games. However, the regulatory roadblocks have disrupted these expectations.
Anticipated Titles and Future Prospects
The delay in featuring Activision Blizzard games on Xbox Game Pass means that Xbox and PC gamers will need to wait a bit longer before enjoying iconic titles like Call of Duty, Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch within the subscription service. According to a statement from Activision Blizzard, these games are expected to join the pass "sometime in the course of next year."
Despite the delay, Phil Spencer emphasized that the acquisition was a long-term move aimed at building excitement for the future. Gamers are sure to welcome these popular franchises with open arms when they finally make their way to Xbox Game Pass.
A Glimmer of Hope for PlayStation Users
While this development may have disappointed Xbox and PC gamers eagerly awaiting these titles, it's worth noting that the exclusivity deal for Call of Duty is set to continue on both Xbox and Sony's PlayStation for the next decade, thanks to an agreement reached in July. This ensures that fans on both platforms will still be able to enjoy the blockbuster franchise.
Conclusion
The wait for Call of Duty, Warcraft, and other beloved Activision Blizzard games on Xbox Game Pass might have been extended due to regulatory challenges, but it's a testament to the gaming industry's ever-evolving landscape. As Microsoft emerges as a formidable player in the world of gaming, gamers can look forward to exciting times ahead as these iconic titles eventually find their way into the Xbox Game Pass library, making it an even more compelling subscription service for gaming enthusiasts.
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