Microsoft's Activision: AAA IPs Get AA Game Treatment

Microsoft and Activision established a new team at Blizzard to concentrate on developing smaller, AA games based on existing intellectual properties. Read on to learn more about Microsoft's objectives and potential projects within the team.

Microsoft and Activision to Focus on ‘AA’ GamesKing Employees to Support Smaller Blizzard

Microsoft and Activision have reportedly formed a new group within Blizzard primarily staffed by King employees, according to Jez Corden of Windows Central. This action follows Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, granting the company access to a wide array of popular game IPs such as Diablo and World of Warcraft.

According to Corden, this new group’s goal is to develop AA games based on existing franchises within Blizzard universes. AA games are smaller in scale and budget than AAA releases, and with King known for mobile successes like Candy Crush and Farm Heroes, the assumption is that the new group will concentrate on creating these games for mobile devices.

King possesses experience in developing mobile games based on existing IP. They previously developed Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!, a limitless runner similar to Temple Run, in 2021, and declared intentions for a Call of Duty mobile game in 2017. Although the former has been discontinued, the latter’s advancement remains uncertain, particularly given that Call of Duty: Mobile is developed by a separate group.

Microsoft Aims to Bolster Its Mobile Presence

At Gamescom 2023, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, in an interview with Eurogamer, highlighted the crucial role of mobile gaming in Xbox’s growth strategy. He cited mobile capabilities as the main driver behind Microsoft’s $68.7 billion offer for Activision Blizzard.

Spencer explained, "The reason we’re pursuing the acquisition of Activision Blizzard King is their mobile expertise, something we currently lack… We already offer Call of Duty and Diablo on our platform. It’s not about adding games Xbox players can’t already access. It’s about mobile capabilities, and broader ambitions within the largest gaming market: mobile phones."

To further bolster their gaming presence, Microsoft is actively creating a mobile store to compete with Apple and Google. While specifics are unannounced, Spencer hinted at CCXP 2023 that its launch is imminent, rather than years away.

With the rising costs of AAA game development, Microsoft is exploring a novel approach. According to Jez Corden, the company plans to experiment with smaller teams within its larger organization to address this increasing challenge.

While details remain confidential, the formation of this new team has prompted fan speculation regarding their potential projects. Possibilities include abridged versions of popular franchises like World of Warcraft, similar to League of Legends’ mobile version, Wild Rift. They could also develop a mobile Overwatch experience resembling Apex Legends Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile Season 7.