Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard has spurred a new initiative: the creation of a dedicated team within Blizzard, primarily composed of King employees, to develop smaller-scale, AA titles based on established franchises. This strategic move aims to leverage King's mobile gaming expertise and expand Microsoft's presence in the mobile market.
This new team's focus will be on developing AA games, characterized by their smaller budgets and scope compared to AAA releases. Given King's success with mobile titles like Candy Crush and Farm Heroes, it's highly likely that these new games will be designed for mobile platforms. King's past experience with IP adaptations, such as the now-discontinued Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!, provides a foundation for this venture. The status of their previously announced Call of Duty mobile game remains uncertain.
Microsoft's commitment to mobile gaming is undeniable. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has openly stated that mobile capabilities were a key factor in the Activision Blizzard acquisition. He highlighted the lack of significant mobile presence as the primary driver for the $68.7 billion deal, emphasizing the mobile market as the largest gaming platform globally. This strategy is further reinforced by Microsoft's development of a competing mobile app store, expected to launch sooner than anticipated.
The rising costs of AAA game development have prompted Microsoft to explore alternative approaches. By creating smaller, specialized teams, the company aims to experiment with different development models and potentially mitigate financial risks. While details remain scarce, speculation abounds regarding potential projects. These could include mobile adaptations of popular franchises like World of Warcraft (similar to Wild Rift) or Overwatch (similar to Apex Legends Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile). The future of mobile gaming may well be shaped by this strategic shift.
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