The gaming community witnessed a game-changer when Microsoft officially became the owner of Activision Blizzard. With the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s approval on October 13, 2023, Microsoft now stands as the third-largest gaming behemoth, right after Tencent and Sony.
The union of these two titans brings forth intriguing prospects for mobile gaming. Previously, Microsoft had initiated efforts to introduce Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS. However, Apple’s App Store policies became a hurdle, pushing Microsoft towards a web-app solution.
With Activision Blizzard’s vast game repertoire, the potential for enhancing the iOS cloud gaming experience has grown substantially. Gamers might soon find themselves streaming some of Activision Blizzard’s flagship titles on their mobile devices without the need for high-end consoles.
Moreover, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass, a frontrunner in the gaming subscription arena, is set to gain immense traction with the addition of Activision Blizzard’s offerings. This could revolutionize gaming subscriptions, encouraging competitors to reevaluate their strategies, possibly leading to a drop in prices or innovative features to retain users.
Furthermore, Microsoft’s position in mobile gaming is set to skyrocket. With Activision Blizzard’s established presence, especially through hits like Candy Crush Saga and Call of Duty: Mobile, Microsoft can now delve deeper into the mobile gaming sector. This move might not only diversify the company’s gaming portfolio, but also present stiff competition to other mobile gaming giants.
However, it’s essential to note potential challenges. Should Microsoft decide to make Activision Blizzard games exclusive to its platforms, mobile gamers might see a reduction in available game options. This could stir the mobile gaming market waters, prompting other industry players to adopt defensive or offensive strategies.
All eyes are now on Microsoft, with the gaming community eager to witness how this acquisition shapes the future of mobile gaming.