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

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard has spurred a new initiative: the creation of a team within Blizzard dedicated to developing AA-tier games based on existing franchises. This strategic move, reported by Jez Corden of Windows Central, leverages the mobile game development expertise of King, a subsidiary acquired alongside Activision Blizzard.

King's Mobile Game Development Prowess

The new team, primarily composed of King employees, aims to produce smaller-scale, lower-budget games (AA titles) compared to the high-cost AAA productions. Given King's success with mobile hits such as Candy Crush and Farm Heroes, it's highly anticipated that this new venture will focus on the mobile gaming market. King's past experience with IP-based mobile games, including the now-discontinued Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! and the still-in-development (though details are scarce) Call of Duty mobile title, further supports this prediction. It's important to note that the Call of Duty mobile game is a separate project from this new team's efforts.

Microsoft's Mobile Gaming Ambitions

Microsoft's aggressive pursuit of Activision Blizzard, costing $68.7 billion, was largely driven by its desire to bolster its mobile gaming capabilities, a sector where it previously lacked significant presence. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, highlighted this strategic importance at Gamescom 2023 and CCXP 2023, emphasizing mobile's role in Xbox's future growth. This initiative extends beyond simply porting existing titles; it's about establishing a robust mobile gaming infrastructure. Microsoft is actively developing its own mobile app store to compete with Apple and Google, aiming for a launch sooner than expected.

A New Approach to Game Development

The rising costs associated with AAA game development have prompted Microsoft to explore alternative models. By establishing smaller, specialized teams within its larger structure, Microsoft aims to experiment with a more efficient and cost-effective approach.

Speculation and Potential Projects

While details remain confidential, the formation of this new team has ignited considerable fan speculation. Potential projects could include mobile adaptations of popular franchises like World of Warcraft, potentially mirroring the success of League of Legends: Wild Rift, or a mobile Overwatch experience comparable to Apex Legends Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile. The future of mobile gaming within the Microsoft ecosystem is clearly taking shape.