Xbox has lastly accomplished its historic acquisition of Activision Blizzard and with it features management of among the greatest franchises in online game historical past.
Not mincing phrases, Xbox now owns the best-selling online game annually in Name of Obligation. This franchise was on the centre of conversations (and arguments) through the acquisition course of, as Xbox fought desperately to see the deal by way of.
Not like Bethesda video games similar to Starfield, Name of Obligation will not develop into unique to Xbox. Microsoft primarily needed to signal 10-year offers with PlayStation, Nintendo, and a number of other streaming providers to finish the deal.
Activision Blizzard brings much more than Name of Obligation, after all, with franchises similar to Overwatch, World of Warcraft, Sweet Crush Saga, Diablo, Hearthstone, Guitar Hero, Spyro and extra additionally becoming a member of Xbox.
Here is a full record of Activision Blizzard video games now owned by Xbox.
Activision
Name of DutyCrash BandicootGuitar HeroSekiro: Shadows Die TwicePrototypeBlurSpyro
Blzzard
DiabloWarcraftOverwatchStarCraftLost Vikings
King
Sweet Crush SagaRebel RidersDiamond Diaries SagaBubble Witch 3 Saga
There are a handful of different video games not on the record, however since Activision’s historical past goes again to 1979 and Blizzard’s to 1991, it will be almost unattainable to record completely the whole lot. Undoubtedly, nevertheless, the video games listed are the largest franchises acquired within the deal.
The $68.7 billion acquisition going by way of on October 13, 2023 was celebrated by Microsoft with an emotional trailer displaying off all these franchises, with glee unsurprising given how tough, difficult, and lengthy the method was.
The web had loads to say concerning the deal, with followers, builders, and analysts all weighing in on the largest online game acquisition of all time. The Communications Employees of America union additionally expressed delight on the deal going by way of.
There are nonetheless loads inquiries to be answered too, together with round Sport Move, Xbox console gross sales, the destiny of controversial Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, and extra.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll discuss The Witcher all day.