Editor’s Note: A lawsuit has been filed against Activision Blizzard by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which alleges the company has engaged in abuse, discrimination, and retaliation against its female employees. Activision Blizzard has denied the allegations. The full details of the Activision Blizzard lawsuit (content warning: rape, suicide, abuse, harassment) are being updated as new information becomes available
Following news that Microsoft is acquiring Activision Blizzard, it's reported that the gaming publisher is expected to remain independent until summer 2023. The surprising Activision Blizzard acquisition has dominated headlines since its reveal earlier today, January 18. While there were people expecting Microsoft to acquire more developers, no one expected the Xbox owner to target Activision Blizzard. The company owns some of the biggest franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty and Overwatch, making it one of the most lucrative publishers in the industry.
The news of Microsoft's latest large acquisition leaked out just prior to the official press release, but left many wondering about the specifics. While there's still lots to figure out in terms of future game exclusivity and Xbox Game Pass inclusions, Microsoft will have the power to make franchises like Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox. Of course, just because Microsoft can, does not mean it will, as doing so could damage sales and cause player backlash. Following Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, multiple Bethesda games came to Xbox Game Pass, and fans are already speculating if the same will happen with Activision Blizzard titles in the future.
In an email reportedly sent out to Activision employees (via CharlieINTEL), CEO Bobby Kotick seemingly revealed that the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal is expected to close by the end of Microsoft's 2023 fiscal year, ending on June 30, 2023. In the meantime, Activision Blizzard will resume operations as per usual throughout 2022, with Kotick at the helm. Microsoft is unable to utilize Activision as a first-party team until the ink has dried on the deal, so fans shouldn't expect any significant news on plans in the near future.
Along with speculation on the future of Activision Blizzard games, many are also wondering about CEO Bobby Kotick's future at Activision. As revealed by Microsoft, all of Activision Blizzard will report to Xbox head Phil Spencer after everything is finalized, which would likely mean Kotick reports to Spencer - if the controversial CEO keeps his place within the company. Many have called for the resignation of Kotick following allegations against Activision Blizzard, and it's possible Microsoft will listen to these calls. Speculation on Kotick is likely to continue until further word from Microsoft, possibly once the deal is complete.
Whether or not Activision franchises like Call of Duty will become Xbox exclusive remains to be seen, though Microsoft has previously confirmed plans to make some Bethesda games like Starfield exclusive to Xbox. Minecraft still exists on other platforms despite being owned by Microsoft, largely because it's incredibly successful on non-Xbox devices. Given the size of Call of Duty, it's not out of the realm of possibility that future entries in the shooter franchise release on PlayStation as well. Perhaps Microsoft will attempt to entice players by offering new releases as day one Xbox Game Pass titles, but it seems this will not be detailed until next year at the earliest.
Source: CharlieINTEL/Twitter