Microsoft Activision Aims to Make AA Games of AAA IPs

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard's New Venture: AA Games from AAA IPs

A newly formed Blizzard team, primarily composed of King employees, is poised to develop smaller-scale, AA games based on established Blizzard franchises. This initiative follows Microsoft's 2023 acquisition of Activision Blizzard, granting access to a wealth of iconic IPs.

Leveraging King's Mobile Expertise

According to Windows Central's Jez Corden, this new team will focus on creating AA titles, characterized by their smaller budgets and scope compared to AAA releases. Given King's success with mobile games like Candy Crush and Farm Heroes, it's anticipated that these new projects will primarily target the mobile gaming market. King's past experience with IP adaptations, such as the now-discontinued Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!, provides a relevant foundation. However, the status of their previously announced Call of Duty mobile game remains uncertain.

Microsoft's Mobile Ambitions

Microsoft's strategic acquisition of Activision Blizzard King was largely driven by its desire to bolster its mobile gaming capabilities, as highlighted by Xbox CEO Phil Spencer at Gamescom 2023. Spencer emphasized the significance of the mobile market as a key growth area for Xbox. This strategy extends beyond simply adding new games to existing platforms; it's about establishing a strong presence within the mobile gaming ecosystem. This ambition is further underscored by Microsoft's development of a competing mobile app store, anticipated to launch sooner than initially projected.

Exploring a New Development Model

The rising costs associated with AAA game development have prompted Microsoft to explore alternative approaches. The creation of this smaller team represents an experiment in streamlining development within the larger corporate structure. While details are scarce, speculation abounds regarding potential projects. These could include mobile adaptations of popular franchises like World of Warcraft (similar to League of Legends: Wild Rift) or a mobile Overwatch experience comparable to Apex Legends Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile. The initiative signifies a shift towards a more diversified development strategy, catering to the growing mobile gaming market.