Microsoft Officially Acquires Activision Blizzard: A New Era for Xbox Games
After nearly two years, Microsoft has successfully acquired Activision Blizzard for a whopping $69 billion. This monumental deal solidifies Activision Blizzard, the powerhouse behind popular franchises like Call of Duty and Diablo, as an integral part of Xbox’s first-party lineup. With this acquisition, Xbox’s collection of IPs and game franchises has expanded significantly, encompassing renowned titles such as Overwatch and World of Warcraft.
Expanding the Xbox Library: A Look at Every Activision Blizzard Game Franchise
- Call of Duty
- Crash Bandicoot (after Activision acquired Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- Diablo
- Gabriel Knight (after Activision acquired Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- Geometry Wars (after Activision acquired Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- Guitar Hero (after Activision acquired RedOctane in 2007)
- Gun
- Hearthstone
- Heroes of the Storm
- Heavy Gear
- Heretic (after Activision acquired Raven Software in 1997)
- Interstate ’76
- King’s Quest (after Activision acquired Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- Laura Bow Mystery Series (after Activision acquired Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- The Lost Vikings
- Overwatch
- Phantasmagoria (after Activision acquired Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- Pitfall
- Police Quest (after Activision acquired Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- Prototype
- Quest for Glory (after Activision acquired Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- Singularity
- Ski Resort Tycoon
- Skylanders
- Soldier of Fortune
- Space Quest (after Activision acquired Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- Spyro (after Activision acquired Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- Starcraft
- SWAT (part of the Police Quest series Activision acquired after purchasing Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- Tenchu (games released before Activision sold the franchise rights to From Software in 2004)
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and associated titles
- True Crime
- Ultimate Soccer Manager (after Activision acquired Vivendi Universal in 2008)
- Warcraft
- World of Warcraft
- Zork (after Activision acquired developer Infocom in 1986)
The Kingdom of King Games: Joining the Xbox Empire
Note: Activision Blizzard acquired King in February 2016 for $5.9 billion
- Bubble Saga
- Bubble Witch Saga
- Hoop de Loop Saga
- Candy Crush Saga
- Pyramid Solitaire Saga
- Pet Rescue Saga
- Papa Pear Saga
- Farm Heroes Saga
- Pepper Panic Saga
- Bubble Witch 2 Saga
- Diamond Digger Saga
- Candy Crush Soda Saga
- AlphaBetty Saga
- Scrubby Dubby Saga
- Paradise Bay
- Blossom Blast Saga
- Candy Crush Jelly Saga
- Farm Heroes Super Saga
- Shuffle Cats
- Bubble Witch 3 Saga
- Legend of Solgard
- Diamond Diaries Saga
- Candy Crush Friends Saga
- Pet Rescue Puzzle Saga
- Knighthood – Epic RPG Knights
- Crash Bandicoot: On The Run!
- Rebel Riders
While some of these games and franchises have laid dormant for extended periods, even spanning decades in some cases, they now find themselves under the Xbox umbrella. As a result, Xbox has the potential to revive these beloved franchises or develop sequels to existing titles.
Interestingly, reports emerged this week that Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick engaged in an all-hands employee meeting, during which he discussed the potential revival of Guitar Hero and other exciting projects with former late-night host James Corden. Notably, Kotick will continue to serve as Activision Blizzard’s CEO until the end of the year, as requested by Xbox head Phil Spencer to support the company’s transition.
Which franchises on this list are you most eager to see make a comeback under the Xbox ownership? Share your thoughts in the comments below!