"Microsoft's Activision to Transform AAA IPs into AA Games"

Microsoft and Activision have established an innovative team within Blizzard, dedicated to crafting smaller-scale, AA titles based on their renowned franchises. This strategic move aims to leverage existing IPs while expanding their presence in the mobile gaming market. Dive in to discover Microsoft's objectives and the potential projects this new team might undertake.

Microsoft and Activision to Focus on ‘AA’ Games

King Employees to Power Smaller Blizzard Titles

Following Microsoft's monumental acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, a specialized team has been formed within Blizzard, predominantly staffed by King employees. This initiative, as reported by Jez Corden of Windows Central, taps into King's expertise in mobile gaming, famous for hits like Candy Crash and Farm Heroes. The goal? To develop AA games based on Blizzard's iconic universes such as Diablo and World of Warcraft.

King's track record includes ventures into mobile games with existing IPs, such as the now-discontinued Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! and a planned Call of Duty mobile game. This experience positions the new team well to create engaging, budget-friendly mobile titles.

Microsoft Aims to Strengthen Their Mobile Presence

During Gamescom 2023, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer highlighted the pivotal role of mobile gaming in Xbox's expansion plans. In an interview with Eurogamer, Spencer stated that mobile capabilities were a key motivator behind the $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. He emphasized, "The reason we’re in the acquisition discussion with Activision Blizzard King is around their mobile capability because it’s just something we don’t have… We obviously already have Call of Duty on our platform; we already have Diablo on our platform. So it’s not about new games that Xbox players don’t have access to today. It is about a capability on mobile, and some broader ambitions that we have on the largest gaming platform, which is mobile phones."

Further enhancing their mobile strategy, Microsoft is developing a mobile store to compete with giants like Apple and Google. While details are scarce, Spencer hinted at CCXP 2023 that the launch is imminent, not years away.

With the rising costs associated with AAA game development, Microsoft is exploring innovative solutions. According to Jez Corden, the company is set to experiment with smaller, more agile teams to navigate these challenges.

While specific projects remain undisclosed, the formation of this new team has sparked speculation about potential titles. Fans are buzzing about possibilities such as a mobile version of World of Warcraft, similar to League of Legends' Wildrift, or a mobile adaptation of Overwatch, akin to Apex Legends Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile.