Microsoft and Activision have embarked on an exciting new venture within Blizzard, focusing on developing smaller, AA titles using the vast array of existing franchises at their disposal. This strategic move follows Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, providing them with access to beloved IPs such as Diablo and World of Warcraft.
King Employees to Power Smaller Blizzard Titles
According to Jez Corden of Windows Central, the newly formed team within Blizzard is primarily comprised of King employees. King, known for their success with mobile games like Candy Crush and Farm Heroes, is expected to leverage their expertise to develop these AA games for mobile platforms. King's previous foray into mobile gaming with existing IPs includes the now-discontinued Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! and the still-uncertain Call of Duty mobile game announced in 2017.
Microsoft Aims to Strengthen Their Mobile Presence
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer highlighted the importance of mobile gaming during his interview at Gamescom 2023 with Eurogamer. He stressed that mobile capabilities were a key factor in Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, stating, "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."
In addition to developing AA games, Microsoft is also working on a mobile store to compete with Apple and Google. While details are scarce, Spencer indicated at CCXP 2023 that the launch of this mobile store is expected to happen sooner rather than later.
As the costs of AAA game development continue to rise, Microsoft is exploring innovative approaches. Jez Corden suggests that the company is experimenting with smaller teams to manage these changes effectively. The formation of this new team has sparked speculation among fans about potential projects, such as a mobile version of World of Warcraft similar to League of Legends' Wildrift, or a mobile Overwatch experience akin to Apex Legends Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile.
