Microsoft Activision Aims to Make AA Games of AAA IPs

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard's New Strategy: Leveraging King's Expertise for AA Mobile Games

Microsoft and Activision have joined forces to create a new development team within Blizzard, focusing on smaller-scale, AA titles based on established franchises. This strategic move aims to expand Microsoft's mobile gaming presence and explore more cost-effective development models. Learn more about this exciting initiative and its potential impact.

A New Team, New Approach

According to Windows Central's Jez Corden, this newly formed team primarily consists of King employees. This leverages King's extensive experience in mobile game development, particularly with successful titles like Candy Crush and Farm Heroes. The focus will be on creating AA games—smaller in scope and budget than AAA releases—based on existing Blizzard IPs.

King's Past Successes and Future Ambitions

King's prior experience with IP-based mobile games, such as the now-discontinued Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!, and their previously announced (but currently unclear) Call of Duty mobile project, hints at the potential direction of this new venture. This new team's work may differ from the existing Call of Duty: Mobile development team.

Microsoft's Mobile Gaming Push

At Gamescom 2023, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, highlighted mobile gaming's crucial role in Xbox's future growth. He emphasized that mobile capabilities were a key factor in Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This initiative is not just about bringing existing titles to mobile, but about establishing a significant presence in the mobile gaming market.

Microsoft's broader ambitions include the development of a new mobile store to compete with Apple and Google. While details are still scarce, Spencer hinted at a launch timeframe sooner than several years at CCXP 2023.

Addressing the High Cost of AAA Development

The rising costs of AAA game development have prompted Microsoft to explore alternative development models. This new team represents an experiment in utilizing smaller, more agile teams within the larger organization.

Speculation and Possibilities

The creation of this team has sparked much speculation about potential projects. These could include mobile adaptations of popular franchises like World of Warcraft (similar to League of Legends: Wild Rift), or a mobile Overwatch experience in the vein of Apex Legends Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile. The possibilities are exciting, and fans eagerly await further announcements.