Since checking out Activision’s intellectual properties (IP) list, Microsoft Gaming CEO Spencer feels inspired. “I mean, let’s go!” he enthuses. “King’s Quest, Guitar Hero … I should know this, but I think they got Hexen.” Once Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of the company is complete, Spencer hopes to breathe new life into some of the company’s classic games, especially the ones he enjoyed playing as a kid.
Activision Blizzard is a Santa Monica, California-based video game publishing company known for popular franchises Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush. Bobby Kotick has been the CEO since 1991 and is staying on as the company’s leader through the complicated merger. However, Spencer confirmed that all Activision Blizzard–related business will report to him once the deal is finalized. It’s expected to close at some point before June 2023.
Which Activision Blizzard Games Are Coming Back?
Once that happens, Spencer hopes to revive some of the beloved vintage video games in the Activision archives. “We’re hoping that we’ll be able to work with them when the deal closes to make sure we have resources to work on franchises that I love from my childhood and that the teams want to get,” he says.
Spencer also expressed his interest in keeping the famous first-person shooter game Call of Duty on PlayStation consoles. “Had good calls this week with leaders at Sony,” shares Spencer. “I confirmed our intention to honor all existing agreements upon acquisition of Activision Blizzard and our desire to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation. Sony is an important part of our industry, and we value our relationship.”
Spencer is up to the challenge. “I’m looking forward to these conversations,” he says. “I really think it is about adding resources and increasing capability. Some of the franchises that have been set aside in favor of Call of Duty include Activision IP like Spyro and more.”
Call of Duty’s Lasting Legacy
The famous first-person shooter game is available on multiple platforms, from consoles to PCs. Between 10 million and 13 million daily active users are heading the Call of Duty.
When Call of Duty: Mobile was released in October 2019, it broke records, with 100 million downloads the first week on the market. According to gaming industry analyst Andrea Knezovic, “Just to put that in perspective, massively popular games like Fortnite and PUBG Mobile only got 22 million and 28 million downloads in the first week, respectively.” Call of Duty: Mobile also raked in more than $17 million in revenue that first week.
Microsoft Gives Activision Blizzard New Opportunities
Bobby Kotick seems confident that the Microsoft acquisition will be an asset while ushering the company into the future of gaming. “Look at all the opportunities we get with a company like Microsoft,” says Kotick. “I wanted to make a new Guitar Hero for a while, but I don’t want to add teams to do manufacturing and supply chain and QA for manufacturing.” He also notes that the chip supply shortages “are enormous” and have slowed down progress. But, Kotick says, “There is nothing but opportunity for the kinds of things that we can’t do on our own and the resources that Microsoft has for us to just make a difference.”