The recent integration of King employees into the Blizzard workforce marks the initiation of a groundbreaking collaboration between Microsoft and Activision. This strategic partnership has led to the formation of a dedicated team within Blizzard, comprising individuals from King and various Blizzard departments. The primary focus of this team is to enhance the development of Blizzard’s renowned “AA” games like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and StarCraft.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard for a substantial $72 billion last year paved the way for this collaboration, granting Microsoft control over major franchises such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. The symbiotic relationship has already demonstrated significant growth, with Microsoft’s gaming division witnessing a remarkable 61% increase year-on-year, largely attributed to Activision Blizzard’s existing game portfolio.
To further drive innovation and growth, Microsoft and Activision have united forces to establish a new team within the Blizzard subsidiary. The overarching goal is to sustain and invigorate cherished franchises like Diablo, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch. The dormant state of StarCraft presents an opportunity for this new team to potentially revive the beloved franchise, infusing it with renewed vitality.
The influx of employees from the King subsidiary hints at potential endeavors in mobile game development, including enhancing existing titles such as Diablo Immortal or crafting new mobile gaming experiences slated for release in Xbox’s mobile game store across iOS and Android platforms.
Microsoft’s strategic direction emphasizes the utilization of nimble, agile teams with substantial potential in developing AA games. These teams are slated to seamlessly integrate with larger projects, offering them exposure to more extensive ventures as needed. The prevailing market landscape underscores ample opportunities for AA games, evident through the success of titles like Balatro, Palworld, Vampire Survivors, and Stardew Valley, transcending demographic barriers.
Despite Microsoft’s inclination towards experimenting with smaller agile teams, the decision to shutter Tango Gameworks, the creative minds behind the popular title Hi-Fi Rush, may raise eyebrows. The juxtaposition of the closure of Tango Gameworks with the endeavor to foster small studios specializing in indie-style games presents a paradoxical scenario, leaving players intrigued about the future trajectory of this newly established team.
