Update: In response to Bloomberg's report, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has shared some comments suggesting that Microsoft won't be pulling Activision Blizzard games away from PlayStation, although it's not 100% clear whether he means existing titles or games that are set to release in the future.
"I’ll just say to players out there who are playing Activision Blizzard games on Sony’s platform: It’s not our intent to pull communities away from that platform and we remained committed to that."
Original story: Following the bombshell news that Xbox is buying Activision, questions are already being asked about the future of Activision games. Call of Duty has a huge presence on PlayStation, as well as franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, of course.
It seems like some of these series' may stick around on other platforms after the acquisition. According to a Bloomberg report, Microsoft is still planning to support other systems, even if some content becomes Xbox exclusive.
"Microsoft plans to keep making some of Activision’s games for PlayStation consoles but will also keep some content exclusive to Xbox, said a person familiar with the company’s thinking."
Phil Spencer, now the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, also commented on Activision games on other platforms. Here's what he had to say:
"The fantastic franchises across Activision Blizzard will also accelerate our plans for Cloud Gaming, allowing more people in more places around the world to participate in the Xbox community using phones, tablets, laptops and other devices you already own. Activision Blizzard games are enjoyed on a variety of platforms and we plan to continue to support those communities moving forward."
Given that statement's focus on mobile devices, it's clear Spencer isn't just addressing PlayStation here. The statement also reiterates that the company will "continue to support", which could focus on existing games and partnerships rather than new releases, much like the Bethesda deal.
Not everything is finalised just yet, as the deal won't go through until at least its fiscal year 2023, which covers July 2022 through June 2023.
Do you think Activision games will still release on PlayStation after the deal? Let us know in the comments.
[source bloomberg.com]
Comments 21
Game Pass on PS coming soon... LOL
This will go back and fourth like the zenimax purchase, but then ended up exclusive to game pass like Starfield.
So I think most if not all will go the same way.
If you want people to buy and use game pass you need to give them a good reason and big AAA exclusive games is one big reason.
They said this about Bethesda too
Yeah the existing contracts such as the next call of duty, diablo 4 and the main one for me overwatch 2
this is what i figured. COD, for example, is essentially going to be treated like Minecraft. toooo many people play that game across all platforms to risk pissing them off. put it on Game Pass for Xbox users, graciously accept Ps5 users' money as well.
I wouldn't hold my breath for PS only users. Warzone will keep being supported on PS but I highly doubt the new yearly COD entries or Blizzard stuff will be multiplat after the deals that are currently in place finish up.
It makes sense. I mentioned this elsewhere but a purchase like this isn't aimed at Sony. Not saying it won't affect them but there are better ways for MS to spend $70B if they wanted to "crush" PS.
MS has been honest that they see Tencent and Apple as their main competitors, not Sony. Activision was sinking and this kept Microsoft in the game. My guess is you'll see stronger build up of King compared to Blizzard or Activision main. And if selling games (probably at a premium) on PS helps MS, they'll do it.
I'd expect anything already on both platforms like Warzone to keep going on both but new COD to be Xbox only. But who knows?
I have a real feeling of deja vu again...
Comunties like Warzone will be supported still. That's all I'd expect, if more comes that's a bonus but expect the minimum. Remember the whole drive for Xbox is gamepass subscriptions.
Edit: i forgot about overwatch, that will likely be multiplat as well as it requires a large player base and i believe that 2 is just an update to the original basically?
All games planned for releases up until 2023 will be cross support. But i think all future heavy hitters will be exclusive to Xbox..
@Mauzuri Rare doesn't want to make it, double fine said they would rather create a new game than work on someone else's. You're literally asking them to force someone make a game they don't want to. Ideally with all the talent they now employ someone steps up and takes on these IP as i would like to see them as well.
Honestly, this is the same line of messaging they had going on with Bethesda.
Games like CoD Warzone will likely continue to get support, and games that are currently in development will likely continue their course until the deal closes late 2022 or early 2023 and by that point, they will just launch to their target platforms, PS5 included.
But expect any new CoD or any new game from Activision/Blizzard released past 2023 to be XBox/PC/Gamepass exclusives.
Hope they don't make crash & spyro exclusive I have fond memories of playing the originals on PS1
Remember they said similar things about Bethesda, turns out they wasn't actually allowed total about their plans until the deal was cleared. Phils most recent comments, to me, sounds more like they wont be shutting down PS versions of existing games (Warzone jumps to mind) than them still getting them
All he means is existing games will be supported for the life cycle.
They were clear before - Xbox studios do not make games for the other console platforms.
Why do people believe this isn’t Bethesda V2….
Current games yes, future games no. Same as Zenimax.
My personal opinion and one I think that makes sense is that Xbox needed/wanted more exclusive single player experiences as well as more studios to support game pass.
Therefore I think single player games, whether or not they have multiplayer element will become exclusive, this includes franchises such as crash, spyro, prototype etc. - similar to doom, wolfenstein, elder scrolls 6.
For games which are more multiplayer focused and benefit from a strong online community, these will remain multi platform as long as Sony allows cross platform play. This mean franchises such as COD, over watch, Diablo etc similar to mine craft and if there is a sequel to elder scrolls online
"Dear Naughty Dog, We have your Bandicoot. If you want to see him again, deliver $100bn by January 1 to our Redmond address. You know where it is." -P3
@Mauzuri
Why would they force their developers to make games they don’t want to make? That sounds like an absolutely terrible idea.
@Craigyy
I agree. I think getting Crash and Spyro also helps with their push for more ‘family friendly’ content so they will go exclusive. But the multiplayer focussed stuff will stay multi platform-the big sell will be having it on Game Pass when PS owners have to pay £70 for a new COD.
Tap here to load 21 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...