As the European Commission investigates Microsoft’s controversial acquisition, the California tech company launched website regarding the deal today. With how mixed the perception is around the acquisition, Microsoft has taken it upon itself to make its plans clear. According to Microsoft, the gaming community, developers and players, are integral to their company. Their gaming strategy seeks to give players wider access to games and developers more options to build, distribute and monetize their games. In the creation of this website, Microsoft hopes to share how the acquisition of Activision-Blizzard fits into its strategy.
“Giving players choice in how they play their games makes gaming more accessible and leads to larger, more vibrant communities of players,” said Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO in a statement. “Choice is equally important to developers. Developers benefit from having a diversity of distribution and business models for their games. Choice unlocks opportunities for innovation and enables the industry to grow.”
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“Too much friction exists today between creators and gamers; app store policies and practices on mobile devices restrict what and how creators can offer games and what and how gamers can play them,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President in a statement. “Our large investment to acquire Activision-Blizzard further strengthens our resolve to remove this friction on behalf of creators and gamers alike. We want to enable world-class content to reach every gamer more easily across every platform.”
Microsoft’s new website catalogues updates and past quotes from spokespeople regarding the Activision Blizzard acquisition, graphs, and interviews with Spencer. However, most importantly, the main draw to the eyes is an informational graphic titled “Benefits of Xbox + Activision-Blizzard.” This graphic detailed what Microsoft believed players, developers and the gaming industry at large could benefit from the deal, despite the numerous concerns.
Microsoft claimed that the deal would give players more access to games on different devices, the ability to buy games through subscriptions or one-time purchases, and alternative mobile content from standard mobile platforms. For developers, the deal would get games in the hands of more players, more access and support, better revenue and marketplace rules through Microsoft apps, and flexibility in payment systems. Last but not least, the deal would boost the gaming industry’s competitiveness in mobile markets and traditional gaming, where Sony and Nintendo remain the biggest. The emphasis will be on creating a positive workplace culture and investing in studios around the world.
Although the graphic depicts an optimistic future for the gaming industry, there are still many who remain cautious of it, but the launch of this website proves how steadfast Microsoft’s belief in the Activision-Blizzard deal is despite these doubts.