Microsoft has acquired Blizzard. There are already concerns that games like Diablo IV may not come to the PS5. Such concerns would not be realized for the first time.
This has happened: In a surprising move, Microsoft has acquired Activision Blizzard. Activision Blizzard includes brands like Call of Duty and WoW, as well as Overwatch and Diablo 4.
And it is here that there are fears after the acquisition that the two highly anticipated games may not come to the PS5. Because it would not be the first time that Microsoft cancels games for the competing console.
Microsoft had acquired Bethesda and excluded games for PlayStation
What is the situation? Microsoft has acquired Bethesda for $7.5 billion and at the same time announced new games. And already with the purchase of Bethesda, there were concerns from users, that some games would no longer be released for the PS5. And in fact, the users were not wrong:
- Microsoft presented a new Sci-Fi RPG “Starfield” with Bethesda at E3 2021. It is supposed to be a huge space epic, but not much is known yet. The game is set to be released in 2022.
- However, Microsoft also stated that Starfield would only be released for PC and Xbox. The game will not be available on the PS5.
- In an interview, the head of Bethesda also explained why he thinks it is good that Starfield is only released for PC and Xbox.
After the acquisition of Activision: Blizzard by Microsoft, there are now similar concerns. Many believe that they will suddenly never play big games like Diablo IV or Overwatch 2 on the PS5.
In the podcast, we analyzed the biggest purchase in gaming in a breaking format:
Will Diablo IV and Overwatch 2 no longer come to PlayStation?
Is there an official statement on this? In an official blog post, Xbox welcomed the new company (via news.xbox.com).
In this context, Microsoft also stated that it would continue to support the existing communities. It says:
The games from Activision Blizzard are played on a variety of platforms, and we plan to continue supporting these communities in the future.
At first glance, this sounds like Blizzard’s games will continue to be released on PS4 and PS5. However, an expert had already stated during the Bethesda deal that exclusive games for Xbox are not unlikely.
However, Microsoft has so far placed little emphasis on exclusive titles. The new Minecraft Dungeon is also being released for PlayStation. As the owner of developer Mojang, Microsoft could have released the game only for Windows and Xbox. Microsoft may be hoping for other benefits from the Bethesda acquisition and ultimately will not focus on exclusive titles.
In the future, Blizzard is expected to bring exclusive titles to the PS5
According to the online magazine Bloomberg, Microsoft already has plans for the future. Some games are expected to be released for both Xbox and PlayStation 5. However, there are also exclusive plans for some titles. More precise information is not yet available (via bloomberg.com):
Microsoft plans to continue producing some of Activision’s games for PlayStation consoles, but will also develop some content exclusively for Xbox.
Microsoft also stated in the same blog post that it wants to expand Game Pass with games from the new studios:
After completion, we will offer as many Activision Blizzard games as possible in Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, including both new titles and games from their catalog.
Whether this means that some new games from Blizzard could be released exclusively for Xbox and PC in the future, we cannot say. However, MeinMMO will keep an eye out for you and report when something happens.
The Game Pass is already worthwhile for many players: For €10 per month, you get a very large range of games, including full-price titles and new releases. Even EA games are integrated, which you can play without additional cost with Game Pass.
