Microsoft and Activision Blizzard's New Strategy: Leveraging King's Expertise for AA Mobile Games
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard has spurred a new initiative: the creation of a team within Blizzard dedicated to developing smaller-scale, AA titles based on established franchises. This article explores the details of this strategic move and its potential implications.
A New Team, a New Approach
According to Windows Central's Jez Corden, this newly formed team is largely composed of King employees. This leverages King's extensive experience in the mobile gaming market, known for successful titles like Candy Crush and Farm Heroes. The focus is expected to be on creating mobile AA games, utilizing the vast library of popular IPs owned by Activision Blizzard, including Diablo and World of Warcraft.
King's Past Successes and Future Potential
King's track record includes the development of Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! (since discontinued) and the announced (but currently unclear) development of a Call of Duty mobile game. This new team's work could involve creating mobile adaptations of existing franchises, potentially offering scaled-down versions of popular titles.
Microsoft's Mobile Ambitions
Microsoft's CEO of Gaming, Phil Spencer, has publicly emphasized the importance of mobile gaming for Xbox's future growth. The Activision Blizzard acquisition, he stated, was largely driven by the desire to acquire King's mobile expertise, a capability Microsoft lacked. This strategy aligns with Microsoft's broader ambitions in the mobile gaming market, including the development of a competing mobile app store. Spencer hinted at a relatively near release timeframe for this store, suggesting it's not years away.
Addressing the High Costs of AAA Development
The high costs associated with AAA game development are driving Microsoft to explore alternative approaches. The formation of this new, smaller team is an experiment in optimizing resources and potentially achieving greater efficiency.
Speculation and Possibilities
The exact projects this new team will undertake remain undisclosed. However, speculation abounds, with possibilities including mobile adaptations of 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. The future will reveal the fruits of this strategic initiative.
