Microsoft intends to bring Activision Blizzard franchises to Game Pass

Microsoft and Xbox have reiterated their intentions to bring Activision Blizzard IPs to Game Pass. In a message by Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Game Pass may soon see the inclusion of games from Call of Duty and Diablo franchises. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard is still in the process, but once things are final we’ll see Game Pass — and most likely PC Game Pass — get bolstered like never before.

“We intend to make Activision Blizzard’s much-loved library of games – including Overwatch, Diablo and Call of Duty – available in Game Pass and to grow those gaming communities,” Spencer writes in the lengthy message. “By delivering even more value to players, we hope to continue growing Game Pass, extending its appeal to mobile phones and any connected device.”

It’s a big deal for Game Pass subscribers, naturally. But what does it mean for other platform users? Call of Duty is massive on PlayStation, after all. It would probably be more harmful than good to make the colossal shooter franchise an Xbox exclusive. However, Spencer in January did say the publisher didn’t want to “pull communities away” with exclusivity. In today’s message, he echoes that sentiment. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be “available on PlayStation on the same day the game launches elsewhere,” Spencer reiterates in the message. He also cites Minecraft as an example of a Microsoft-published game that continues to enjoy multi-platform releases.

Gotta get in on that Candy Crush

But what of the other franchises? Overwatch certainly makes a lot of sense, and we may even hear about its sequel landing on Game Pass before the end of the year — if things go in Microsoft’s favor. In 2023, Diablo IV would be a natural fit as a day one launch. But I expect Diablo III and the Diablo II remaster to enter the service first. Other Activision Blizzard games intended for Game Pass would include World of Warcraft, StarCraft, and Candy Crush, as seen in the above image.

Game Pass is already a hell of a deal. But with Activision Blizzard games, it would certainly be even better.