Microsoft is making strategic changes to its proposed deal with Activision Blizzard by transferring the cloud gaming rights for both current and future games to Ubisoft. This move signifies Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience for players by leveraging Ubisoft’s expertise in cloud gaming technology. It demonstrates Microsoft’s dedication to ensuring seamless and immersive gameplay across a wide range of titles.The transfer of rights, as part of Microsoft’s massive $68.7 billion deal, is a strategic move that aims to address the concerns raised by regulators in the UK regarding competition in the cloud gaming industry. By restructuring the deal, it has initiated a fresh regulatory investigation in the UK which is expected to conclude by October 18th. This demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and complying with regulatory requirements.
Microsoft president, Brad Smith, reassures stakeholders that the concerns raised by the UK Competition and Markets Authority regarding the impact of the proposed acquisition on cloud game streaming have been taken into consideration. To address these concerns, Microsoft is strategically restructuring the transaction to acquire a narrower set of rights. This proactive approach reflects our commitment to ensuring a fair and competitive market in the gaming industry.
With this reshaped agreement, Microsoft will not have the ability to limit the release of Activision Blizzard games exclusively to Xbox Cloud Gaming if the proposed acquisition goes through. Furthermore, Microsoft will also be unable to exert sole control over licensing terms for Activision Blizzard games on rival platforms. This ensures fair and competitive opportunities for gamers across multiple services. In a strategic move, Ubisoft has secured the streaming rights to Activision Blizzard games globally, excluding the EU. This partnership allows Microsoft to include these popular titles in its Xbox Cloud Gaming service through a licensing agreement with Ubisoft. By controlling the distribution of these games, Ubisoft ensures a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience for players worldwide.
The Ubisoft+ lineup is expanding!
We're excited to announce a new agreement that will bring Activision Blizzard games to Ubisoft+ via streaming upon the completion of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard!
We’ll also be licensing the games to a range of cloud streaming… pic.twitter.com/sZTnEFJedC
— Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) August 22, 2023
Ubisoft understands the tremendous value that Microsoft’s cloud streaming rights offer for Activision Blizzard’s games. As a result, Ubisoft has committed to compensating Microsoft through a one-time payment and a market-driven wholesale pricing mechanism. This approach includes an innovative option that allows pricing to be reflective of actual usage, ensuring fairness and transparency for all parties involved. Smith also says that It will also give Ubisoft the opportunity to offer Activision Blizzard’s games to cloud gaming services running non-Windows operating systems.”
Get ready for an exciting update from Ubisoft! They are expanding their already amazing Ubisoft Plus Multi Access subscription service to include games from Activision Blizzard. This means that subscribers can enjoy a wide range of thrilling titles across PC, Xbox, Amazon Luna, and even on PlayStation through Ubisoft Plus Classics. With this addition, the subscription is now even more versatile and allows gamers to access a diverse collection of games all in one convenient package.
