Ubisoft loves the Xbox Mega deal and the reason is just sad
Microsoft is on the verge of a massive triumph for the Xbox. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard is practically a done deal. Even the actually uninvolved game publisher Ubisoft is a big fan of the mega deal.
Microsoft takes over Activision Blizzard: Ubisoft likes it
After much back and forth, it now looks as if Microsoft should publish Activision Blizzard for $69 billion buy. Even Sony has given up and is signing a deal to keep Call of Duty on the PlayStation.
Actually, Ubisoft has nothing to do with the mega deal. Despite many rumors of purchase, the publisher is still independent. CEO Yves Guillemot nevertheless fully praises the takeover during an investor briefing:
“I think it’s good news that the transaction is going through as it shows the power of brands and the direction the industry is taking. So there will be many opportunities in the future for all companies.”
Guillemot goes on to say that the deal underscores the importance of brands on PC and consoles, but also on mobile devices. These could too world famous brands become. Microsoft would continue to make investments in the mobile space. Ubisoft sees this as confirmation of its own advances in this area (source: game spot).
Ubisoft offers its own Game Pass on the Xbox:
Ubisoft wants more mobile games
Activision Blizzard’s share of the mobile gaming market cannot be underestimated. After all, the publisher owns the company King Digital Entertainment, which is responsible for Candy Crush. The profits from the mobile phone hit will soon flow into Microsoft’s pockets. Also Ubisoft wants to conquer your smartphone. Assassin’s Creed: Codename Jade is scheduled to be released in 2024 for Android and iOS devices. Before that, you can try it out for free.
Ubisoft’s reaction to the Activision Blizzard acquisition comes as no surprise. But she still makes me sad. It shows a clear development in the industry: developers rely on well-known game brands, which are then exploited with countless spin-offs. Really new ideas will find it increasingly difficult under these conditions. Then there is the focus on mobile games, which have a reputation for using much more ruthless monetization.
