Microsoft has officially confirmed that a wave of Activision Blizzard games will begin arriving on Xbox Game Pass in 2024, marking a major milestone in the tech giant’s $68.7 billion acquisition of the gaming mega-publisher. This announcement has Xbox fans and subscription service users buzzing with anticipation, as some of gaming’s most iconic franchises prepare to join the platform.
Xbox head Phil Spencer revealed during a recent Xbox Podcast that the company is targeting the first half of 2024 to debut the first batch of Activision Blizzard titles on Game Pass. While Spencer stopped short of naming exact games, speculation is already running wild within the gaming community. Fan-favorite franchises like *Call of Duty*, *Diablo*, *Overwatch*, and *Crash Bandicoot* are strong contenders to hit the service early and drive fresh engagement.
“We’re excited for the next step in this journey,” Spencer said. “Bringing Activision Blizzard’s legendary portfolio to Game Pass is a win for players and the entire Xbox ecosystem.”
The move is consistent with Microsoft’s long-term strategy of transforming Xbox Game Pass into a must-have entertainment service by offering first-party titles on day one, a model that proved successful with Bethesda’s integration in recent years. Now, with Activision Blizzard under the Xbox umbrella, Game Pass could see an even steeper increase in value, potentially redefining competition across the gaming industry.
In addition, Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment to keeping select Activision Blizzard franchises available on other platforms, easing fears of exclusivity among PlayStation and Nintendo fans. Still, having these titles included at no extra cost through Game Pass could be a key differentiator in Microsoft’s push for subscription dominance.
As gamers await a detailed lineup and launch dates, one thing is certain: the addition of Activision Blizzard’s catalog is poised to be a game changer—not just for Xbox Game Pass, but for the industry at large. Expect more news to surface in the coming months, especially as Microsoft gears up for a spring showcase event that may offer a deeper look at what’s coming next.