Microsoft and Activision's New Team Targets AA Mobile Games Based on AAA IPs
Microsoft and Activision have formed a new team within Blizzard, primarily composed of King employees, to develop smaller-scale, AA games based on established franchises. This strategic move follows Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and aims to bolster Microsoft's mobile gaming presence.
The initiative leverages King's expertise in mobile game development, evident in successful titles like Candy Crush and Farm Heroes. This suggests a focus on creating mobile adaptations of popular Blizzard IPs. King's past experience with mobile titles like Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! (since discontinued) and the previously announced (but currently unclear) Call of Duty mobile game provides further context.
Microsoft's commitment to mobile gaming is underscored by Phil Spencer's statements at Gamescom 2023, highlighting mobile capabilities as a key driver behind the Activision Blizzard acquisition. Spencer emphasized the need to expand into the dominant mobile gaming market, a sector where Microsoft previously lacked significant presence. This strategy also includes the development of a competing mobile app store to challenge Apple and Google.
This new approach also addresses the rising costs of AAA game development. By utilizing smaller, more agile teams, Microsoft aims to explore a more cost-effective model while still capitalizing on its extensive IP portfolio.
Speculation abounds regarding the team's projects. Potential candidates include mobile spin-offs of franchises like World of Warcraft, potentially similar to League of Legends: Wild Rift, or a mobile Overwatch experience along the lines of Apex Legends Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile. The possibilities are exciting for fans, promising a new era of mobile gaming experiences built upon beloved Blizzard franchises.
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