Microsoft's recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard has sparked a wave of excitement and speculation in the gaming community. Some view it as a step towards a potential gaming monopoly, while others see it as a financial boon for both companies. With the UK's CMA giving the green light and Bobby Kotick's impending departure, the deal is now official, and the gaming world eagerly awaits the impact it will have.
One promising piece of news for fans of Activision Blizzard's older games comes directly from Xbox boss Phil Spencer. In an interview on the Xbox channel, Spencer hinted at the possibility of revisiting some of the cherished franchises from Activision Blizzard's extensive catalogue. He spoke of the potential to create "revisited" versions of certain games, emphasizing that this should not be a mere money-making endeavor or a public relations stunt. Instead, he stressed the importance of delivering high-quality gaming experiences that reflect the passion of the developers involved.
With the merger of two gaming giants under Microsoft's umbrella, the potential for remakes and remasters seems almost boundless. Spencer mentioned his personal wishlist, which includes the return of the first-person shooter classic Hexen. However, he is clear that the developer's enthusiasm and commitment should drive the decision to revisit a game to provide a fresh, modern take on the title.
Reflecting on recent successful examples, such as the Quake 2 remaster by id Software, Spencer praised the developers for their ability to bring a classic game up to current standards while preserving its historical essence. He expressed a desire to see more projects that follow a similar philosophy of revitalizing games without erasing their past.
Despite the exciting possibilities, Spencer cautioned that fans might need to be patient. He noted that we might not see Activision Blizzard's extensive catalogue integrated into Game Pass this year. The regulatory process and the complexity of merging two major companies meant that the work could only begin after the deal was officially closed. Nevertheless, gamers can look forward to the potential for beloved classics to receive a fresh lease on life, thanks to the passion and dedication of developers within the Microsoft family.
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