Microsoft Activision Aims to Make AA Games of AAA IPs

Microsoft and Activision Team Up for Smaller-Scale Games

A new team within Blizzard, comprised largely of King employees, is focused on developing AA titles based on established franchises. This initiative aims to leverage Activision Blizzard's vast IP library in a more cost-effective manner. Read on to discover more about this strategic move and its potential impact.

King's Mobile Expertise Fuels Blizzard's New Direction

Following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a new development team has been formed, primarily staffed by personnel from King, the mobile gaming giant known for titles like Candy Crush. This suggests a focus on developing mobile AA games based on existing Blizzard franchises.

King’s prior experience with IP adaptations, such as the now-discontinued Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! and the still-unreleased Call of Duty mobile game (separate from the existing Call of Duty: Mobile), highlights their potential in this new venture. However, the exact nature of these new projects remains undisclosed.

Microsoft's Mobile Strategy Takes Center Stage

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was, in large part, driven by a desire to expand its mobile gaming capabilities, as highlighted by Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, at Gamescom 2023 and CCXP 2023. He emphasized the importance of the mobile market as the largest gaming platform globally.

This push into mobile includes the development of a competing mobile app store, aiming to challenge Apple and Google's dominance. While timelines remain vague, Spencer hinted at a launch sooner than expected.

Exploring New Development Models in the Face of Rising AAA Costs

The rising costs of AAA game development have prompted Microsoft to explore alternative approaches. The new team represents an experiment in leveraging smaller, more agile teams within the larger organization to create high-quality games at a lower cost.

Speculation regarding potential projects centers on mobile adaptations of existing franchises. Imagine mobile versions of World of Warcraft (similar to League of Legends: Wild Rift) or a mobile Overwatch experience comparable to Apex Legends Mobile. The possibilities are numerous, and the gaming community eagerly awaits further announcements.