While Microsoft’s acquisition was successful, there is a piece of unfortunate news for Xbox enthusiasts. As per Xbox’s head, Phil Spencer, gamers won’t be able to access Activision Blizzard’s titles on the Xbox Game Pass any time soon, and it might take “months” before the games are available on a subscription service.
The ongoing struggle for Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard is finally over. With that being said, Xbox finally revealed its bid to work with Activision Blizzard under Microsoft’s unified biome. The final obstacle for Microsoft has been dealt with. UK government’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) approved the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, which implies that the procedure to bring the latter into the fold has already commenced.
What did Xbox’s Phil Spencer say regarding Microsoft’s deal with Activision?
In an Xbox Wire Post written by the head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, on October 13, 2023, it was revealed that there are still months before any game from Activision Blizzard becomes available on the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. This wasn’t rather astonishing in the first place. The post goes into further information on how teams are being formed from Activision, Blizzard, and King under Microsoft. This implies that Xbox Game Pass will eventually get some of their biggest franchises.
Today, we can now begin the work of bringing Activision Blizzard King’s iconic and groundbreaking games to Xbox Game Pass. We can’t wait to share more details in the coming months. https://t.co/FMQdbnqlPb
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) October 13, 2023
In the post on Xbox Wire, Spencer said, “We’ll share more about when you can expect to play in the coming months. We know you’re excited – and we are too.”
Today is a good day to play. We officially welcome Activision Blizzard King to Team Xbox. Together, we’ll create stories and experiences that bring players together, in a culture empowering everyone to do their best work and celebrate diverse perspectives. https://t.co/KBCESknYYh https://t.co/jTHOeH48Wx
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) October 13, 2023
Will Activision Blizzard games be on Xbox Pass?
Also Read: Every Activision Game That Can Potentially Become Xbox Exclusive after Microsoft’s $69B Deal
Fans have been waiting for a few titles to land on the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. One of the biggest franchises in this deal was Call of Duty. Activision Blizzard’s X account recently posted that they’re not thinking about putting Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III or Diablo IV into Xbox Game Pass this year.
It’s awesome to see anticipation building for Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III. As we continue to work toward regulatory approval of the Microsoft deal, we’ve been getting some questions whether our upcoming and recently launched games will be available via Game Pass.
While we…
— Activision Blizzard (@ATVI_AB) October 9, 2023
The tweet was posted earlier this month. Activision Blizzard is prepared to merge with Xbox to present their popular titles to the fans. It is assumed that the games will be available on the subscription service next year.
As Microsoft sealed their deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, there are pieces of information regarding Ubisoft’s plan. As the UK regulator gave the green light, a condition was set out by CMA which stated that Microsoft would have to sell streaming rights to an independent party.
When asked what games are included in the deal, Chris Early, Ubisoft’s SVP of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development, elaborated on the company’s plans and told in the blog, “The deal includes all the Activision Blizzard games that are being distributed today and includes all the games that Activision Blizzard will release over the next 15 years.”
Ubisoft has gained the rights in perpetuity for a period of 15 years. The amount on which the deal was closed is still undisclosed.
