Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)'s impending acquisition of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI), valued at $68.7 billion, is slated for completion on Friday, October 13. The merger will see Activision's games integrated into Xbox Game Studios, a move anticipated to significantly expand Microsoft's gaming portfolio.
However, despite the excitement surrounding the deal, Activision has confirmed that two highly awaited 2023 releases, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Diablo IV, will not be joining the Xbox Game Pass this year.
Activision made this announcement on Twitter, detailing that while they are looking forward to collaborating with Xbox to increase their global player base after the acquisition, these particular titles won't feature in 2023 due to exclusivity issues and the ongoing regulatory approval process.
The company has also clarified that it intends to add games into Game Pass, which is often referred to as the best service in gaming, in 2024. This statement was released in response to fans' queries about the availability of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Diablo IV on Game Pass.
While the integration of Activision's vast library of titles into Game Pass is expected to lead to instant growth in the platform's library post-acquisition, there is ambiguity surrounding these games' availability due to a myriad of complexities. These include controversies surrounding the Call of Duty franchise.
Despite these challenges, Activision Blizzard remains committed to releasing their games on Game Pass in 2024. The company aims to optimize these games for use across different devices, thereby expanding its global reach.
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