Today, CEO of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer confirmed plans to make Activision Blizzard’s games available on Game Pass. In a blog post titled “Gaming for everyone, everywhere: our view on the Activision Blizzard acquisition,” Spencer elaborates on Microsoft’s intentions to make their games accessible to more players. Part of that plan includes making Activision Blizzard’s catalogue of games available on Game Pass, citing Overwatch, Diablo, and Call of Duty as examples.
“Subscription services like Game Pass make gaming more affordable and help players from all over the world find their next favorite game,” explains Spencer. “Game Pass empowers developers to bring more games to more players, not fewer. We intend to make Activision Blizzard’s much-loved library of games – including Overwatch, Diablo and Call of Duty – available in Game Pass and to grow those gaming communities. By delivering even more value to players, we hope to continue growing Game Pass, extending its appeal to mobile phones and any connected device.”
Activision Blizzard will also play a role in bringing more of Microsoft’s games to mobile devices. “The expertise that the teams at Activision Blizzard bring in developing games for mobile platforms will help us understand how to create games that engage players around the world,” says Spencer. “In addition, we hope that players will be eager to play traditional console games from Activision Blizzard on other platforms via our cloud game streaming technology. This promises to open up mobile gaming, creating new distribution opportunities for game developers outside of mobile app stores while delivering compelling and immersive experiences for players by using the power of the cloud.”
While this is all good news for Game Pass subscribers, Spencer attempts to quell the concerns of those who worry about what this means in terms of console exclusivity. “We’ve heard that this deal might take franchises like Call of Duty away from the places where people currently play them. That’s why, as we’ve said before, we are committed to making the same version of Call of Duty available on PlayStation on the same day the game launches elsewhere.”
No mention was made as to when players can expect Activision Blizzard’s triple-A titles to become available on Game Pass. We will be sure to keep you up to speed on any new information, so stay tuned for updates.