Xbox Plans to Expand with AA Games Based on AAA IPs

Microsoft and Activision Team Up for Smaller-Scale Games

A new team within Blizzard, primarily composed of King employees, is focusing on developing AA games based on established franchises, according to reports. This initiative follows Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, granting access to a wealth of popular IPs.

This strategic move aims to leverage King's mobile game expertise to create smaller-budget titles, potentially expanding the reach of franchises like Diablo and World of Warcraft to mobile platforms. King's past experience with IP-based mobile games, such as the now-discontinued Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!, provides a foundation for this endeavor. The status of a previously announced Call of Duty mobile game remains unclear.

Microsoft's Mobile Ambitions

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was partly driven by a desire to strengthen its mobile gaming presence, as highlighted by Xbox CEO Phil Spencer. He emphasized the significance of mobile gaming in Xbox's growth strategy during interviews at Gamescom 2023 and CCXP 2023.

The development of a new mobile store to compete with Apple and Google further underscores this commitment. While details remain limited, Spencer indicated that its launch is expected sooner rather than later.

Exploring a New Development Model

The increasing costs of AAA game development are prompting Microsoft to explore alternative approaches. The formation of this new, smaller team signals a move towards experimenting with more streamlined development processes within its larger structure.

Speculation abounds regarding the team's projects. Possible candidates include scaled-down versions of existing franchises, mirroring the success of mobile adaptations like Wild Rift (League of Legends), or potentially a mobile Overwatch experience comparable to Apex Legends Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile. The future of this initiative and the specific games in development remain to be seen.