1010°

Welcoming the Legendary Teams at Activision Blizzard King to Team Xbox

Today Microsoft welcomes the teams at Activision Blizzard King to Team Xbox. It's a good day to play.

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news.xbox.com
sparky77232d ago

Incredible hype trailer, it's finally over :)

Obscure_Observer232d ago (Edited 232d ago )

"Incredible hype trailer, it's finally over :)"

FAMILY

Yes, the hype trailer is incredible. I´m not a COD person, but Captain Price as the main character representing Call of Duty was a very cool choice!

We knew it would be approved!

Now as part of XGS, hopefully we´ll get more than GaaS games from Activision/Blizzard!

Looking forward to new single player games!

Christopher232d ago

***hopefully we´ll get more than GaaS games from Activision/Blizzard! ***

Why would Microsoft change the money making machine?

sparky77232d ago

I agree with Chris I don't see MS changing anything with ABK they will be the constant money maker for Xbox along with Minecraft.

Although we will likely get a few Spyro/Crash single player games.

crazyCoconuts231d ago

The single player campaigns in COD are actually pretty good imo. I'd say underappreciated because most people probably just jump into MP. Graphics, animations, voice acting are top notch... probably even better than any other in house team, including MachineGames.
They have the horsepower and talent, we'll see what they do with it.

Obscure_Observer231d ago (Edited 231d ago )

@Christopher

"Why would Microsoft change the money making machine?"

Who said anything about change?

I said get more than just GaaS games. I´d saw IPs like Crash, Sekiro, Prototype, Spyro and Starcraft among the others in that welcoming trailer. So it´s definitely possible that now that ABK is part of XGS, Phil will allow and greenlit more single player games to be developed.

ravens52231d ago

Sekiro is a Fromsoft IP.

Christopher231d ago

***Who said anything about change?

I said get more than just GaaS games.***

Who said change? I only said change!

Changing their lineup is a change, just FYI.

Obscure_Observer231d ago (Edited 231d ago )

Christopher

"Changing their lineup is a change, just FYI."

What you´d referred as "changing their lineup", I would call "expand their lineup" and there´s a abyss between these two business decisions regarding ABK´s future as part of XGS.

231d ago
darthv72231d ago

The MS Empire is growing...
"This will be a day long remembered. It has seen the death of Kenobi, and will soon see the end of the Rebellion." - Darth Vader

TheEroica231d ago

All those super salty downvotes... Lol congrats Microsoft! Thank you for releasing your work on multiple platforms days 1!

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 231d ago
MrDead231d ago

I know right! I'm so hyped to finally play Activision games on Xbox!!! I can't wait for all the titles like COD, and Overwatch, Xbox's library is really going to grow from having them available now.

231d ago
thesoftware730231d ago (Edited 231d ago )

MrDead,

I Fixed your sarcasm to the reality of what fans are really excited about.

I know right! I'm so hyped to finally play 'ALL ' 'Activision/Blizzard' games on Xbox 'GAMEPASS!!!' I can't wait for all the titles like COD, and Overwatch, Xbox's 'GAMEPASS' library is really going to grow from having them available now.

VenomUK231d ago

Now all Microsoft needs to do is get hold of Nintendo and the prophecy will be fulfilled.

crazyCoconuts231d ago

@thesoftware - so fans are excited because they're expecting to pay less for games because of GamePass. This whole thing is basically like a giant sale? Woohoo!!

FinalFantasyFanatic231d ago

What do you mean finally? Weren't those games always available on xbox?

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 231d ago
seanpitt23231d ago

This would be a good thing normally but with the Xbox team leadership so incompetent it is really a sad time for gaming...

Reaper22_231d ago

You mean it would be a good thing if it was Sony. If the Xbox team leadership is so incompetent, why are they celebrating the win and not taking the L.Why is Jim Ryan leaving and Phil Spencer staying. Why do you guys gets so emotional over something like this. If sony could do it they would. If this deal was a hostile take over I could understand why people would be against it, but Activision wanted this and Microsoft is the only one who could do this deal. If Microsoft is so incompetent and got this deal done what does it say about sony who tried very hard to stop it and failed?

VenomUK231d ago

@Reaper22_ if your immature fanboy-view of the world really makes you be believe that Jim Ryan was fired by PlayStation because he ‘lost’ and Phil Spencer ‘won’ then you really know nothing. Ryan was with Sony for nearly 30 years and he’s now decided it’s time to retire. Leave aside any biases for your preferred console, the PS5 is a more successful console than Xbox Series in install base and profit. Ryan launched the PS5 during covid and it is the bestselling new gen console by a large margin. Sony is happy with him that’s why it went to the trouble of giving him a respectful and public send off.

If you want a lesson on how a CEO is pushed out then look at John Riccitiello, the now ex-head of Unity. After he came up with the idea of a very unpopular pricing structure that saw the company’s stock fall $14+ dollars his retirement was ‘effective immediately.’

https://www.wired.com/story...

4Sh0w231d ago

Nah Ryan is out and he literally tried everything to stop this deal, didn't work so yeah he's "retiring". Yeah PS HAS BEEN more successful than Xbox (sales) but things change, ask Kmart, Sears, etc and while I wish for PS continued success, my point is that has nothing to do with today's news. Today's news is 1 giant step towards ensuring Xbox's future success. I'm a adult not a child so I just enjoy good games wherever, whatever platform delivers them, the rest is just fanboy stuff.

FinalFantasyFanatic231d ago (Edited 231d ago )

@Reaper22_
Honestly, I wouldn't want Sony gobbling them up either, even though Sony is more competent than Xbox, it's more sad that these franchise may be mishandled by Xbox (I'm not a fan of a lot of Activision/Blizzard games). There's also the fact that Microsoft is trying to devour the industry to eliminate competition, it's not a happy day.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 231d ago
jimbo676231d ago

I got chills from that trailers. Fantastic news for Xbox gamers. The sky is the limit

CornholioX231d ago (Edited 231d ago )

Yes finally over. The beginning... Of THE END. And remember: It's official on Friday the 13th!!

Jin_Sakai231d ago

“For the millions of fans who love Activision, Blizzard, and King games, we want you to know that today is a good day to play. You are the heart and soul of these franchises, and we are honored to have you as part of our community. Whether you play on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC or mobile, you are welcome here – and will remain welcome, even if Xbox isn’t where you play your favorite franchise. Because when everyone plays, we all win. “BECAUSE WHEN EVERYONE PLAYS, WE ALL WIN”

Here we go with that BS line again.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 231d ago
crazyCoconuts232d ago

If only MS' game division was as good as marketing.
Welcome to the land of mediocrity, Activision.

S2Killinit232d ago

Activision is used to mediocrity. “Legendary” hah
I’m looking at comments of how people are “hyped” for the same games they were going to get anyway.

MS probably will run these into the ground like they’ve done with with the rest of their studios.

F€ck MS. Worst tech company in the world.

crazyCoconuts232d ago

I mean, they've clearly (imo) mismanaged the teams and assets they've already owned. What do Satya and shareholders expect to happen now that they have way more to manage. MS does NOT have the Midas Touch historically speaking.

shinoff2183231d ago

Just like they've done with some other old school ips they might get a game like crash or Spiro then it's back to the shelf for years upon years Ala battle toads.

Lightning77231d ago

What studios got ran into the ground? If you say Halo they're about to release their biggest and best update yet. What studios are you talkin about?

crazyCoconuts231d ago

If you say Halo (343).... you'd be right lol

FinalFantasyFanatic231d ago

@S2Killinit,

This, I would not be surprised if this comment aged like fine wine, I expect it to actually, I haven't cared about a lot of that company's games for a long time, so I'm not too upset if they do get run into the ground.

@Shinoff2183,
Rare, they just sit on a lot of it's library, a new Banjo Kazooie would be nice.

S2Killinit230d ago (Edited 230d ago )

@lightning77
The same ones that haven’t made jack in two generations? I would name them but they are so irrelevant I dont even remember their names.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 230d ago
coolbeans231d ago (Edited 231d ago )

Seriously! I mean... what's next for the artistically-daring & well-treasured Activision under MS now? Yearly scheduled Call of Duty sequels with no end in sight? Just imagine how their name will be tarnished now. smh

Christopher231d ago

Don't forget battle passes!

coolbeans231d ago

@Christopher

How could I forget?!?! Just more nefarious things MS is going to sneak in when no one's looking.

Barlos231d ago

Activision should be used to mediocrity, they've practiced it for years.

babadivad231d ago

Seriously. The Halo 5 marketing is some of the best I've ever seen in entertainment. I'm including movies and television.

I was so hyped for this game. I don't think I can remember being so disappointed in a final product.

I put the game down around the 4th mission. I didn't actually finish it until just before Infinite launched. Just gritted my teeth and trudged through it. Thankfully it wasn't a very long campaign.

crazyCoconuts231d ago

The long holographic diatribes from the Brute... painful

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 230d ago
KicksnSnares232d ago

Mega Hyped! It was nice to see Marcus Fenix in the Trailer. The Coalition/Unreal Engine Masters has been quiet lately. I am ready for a Gears 6 announcement soon.

Charlieboy333231d ago

"It was nice to see Marcus Fenix in the Trailer"......soooo you're excited seeing him in a trailer but no longer in the game. Got it.....weirdos

KicksnSnares230d ago

A person replies to a comment that has no interest in the Gears Franchise. Play your Spider-Man or something lame.

Charlieboy333230d ago

@ Kick I had a 360 and loved Gears 'of War' 1-3. Ever since changing the name to just 'Gears' and removing the iconic Marcus the series has gone to shit. Seeing Marcus in the trailer is a stark reminder of that fact...a reminder of what was once great....and it pisses me off. As it would you if you truly were a fan. But you're not.....you're just an MS bootlicker that claps while they ruin everything.

darthv72232d ago

XB now has access to enough mascots to make their own smash clone. Id love to see PS All Stars return as well. Then we could really have a "battle of the console stars" (old people like me will get the reference) type of cross platform game.

UltimateOwnage231d ago

What a pathetic thing really. To think Nintendo’s game is so amazing because it’s filled with cherished original characters and IP that Devs were honored when fans wanted their studio’s iconic players added to Smash. For Microsoft, a Smash style game would only happen because they made zero of the IP and bought all of them. Authenticity counts, but I guess if the subscription is cheap enough no one cares anymore.

FinalFantasyFanatic231d ago

I really haven't cared for the majority of Smash clones as it is, nothing quite captures that magic, not PS Allstars, not Multi-Versus, Not Nickelodeon's Brawl, not the long forgotten clones we've had over the past decade or two.

KicksnSnares230d ago

@ Charlieboy333 Like I said, you have no interest in Gears. Go back and be a Sony Slave as usual. Focus on PlayStation games lame boy

AngainorG7X232d ago

That’s the way it should be. Sky is the limit now

Crows90231d ago

You damn right. However, I think Xbox limit has been somewhere around a 2nd floor.

Show all comments (194)
70°

Every PlayStation Studios game available now on Windows PC

Windows Central writes: "Many PlayStation Studios games that are ported to PC get dedicated PS5 DualSense support, which allows users to experience haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support without actually having to own a PS5.

According to Hermen Hulst, head of PlayStation Studios, it's still the company's intent to launch the bigger single-player games on PS5 first, before later bringing the games to PC. This might not be the case for multiplayer games however, which are considered okay to launch simultaneously on console and PC."

Read Full Story >>
windowscentral.com
ocelot076h ago

My guess is after god of war. Probably last of us 2 that's a almost 4 year old game now and by the time it's released on pc it will be more than 4 years old or close to 5.

Elda1h ago

Every old Playstation game that is now on PC.

200°

Former Activision studio Toys for Bob partners with Xbox to publish its first game as an indie

Former Activision studio Toys for Bob partners with Xbox to publish its first game as an indie. This is something of a homecoming, as Microsoft owns Activision.

Read Full Story >>
engadget.com
Obscure_Observer17h ago

Very very early in development. Still, fantastic news!

Let´s GO!!!

Lightning7715h ago

I guess.

How come they didnt either let them go or sell Tango and others to another publisher? Not saying Ubisoft, EA would be any better. (Capcome would of treated them right )

At least it wouldn't be MS of all ppl destroying them.

MS really should let go Tango go like they did TFB here.

darthv7215h ago(Edited 15h ago)

one was under Bethesda (Tango) the other under Activision (TFB). Clearly each one handled the separations of their subordinates differently.

Obscure_Observer14h ago(Edited 14h ago)

"How come they didnt either let them go or sell Tango and others to another publisher? Not saying Ubisoft, EA would be any better. (Capcome would of treated them right )"

Perhaps because Zenimax and ABK handles such matters differently based on their own internal policies as "independent" publishers.

Whoever, chances are it´s simply because MS didn´t wanted Tango or Austin to be acquired by competitors and develop new bangers for them, giving MS a bad rep in a possible future. Which could also be the reason why they ensured an exclusive partnership with TFB and its new game, before anyone else.

Sad and disgusting. But it is what it is.

Lightning7711h ago(Edited 11h ago)

"Whoever, chances are it´s simply because MS didn´t wanted Tango or Austin to be acquired by competitors and develop new bangers for them, giving MS a bad rep in a possible future."

MS has a bad rep now because those studios are no more. I rather them sell the studio continue to make multiplatform releases, while MS continues to focus on whatever they're doing. If they didn't want Tango around they should separated from them or sell them to, like they did TFB.

It's inexcusable, they have options on how to handle studios they don't want anymore with killing jobs. Not just MS but the rest of the industry also.

Sad and disgusting sure how many will get shut down next year or this year even?

I don't trust MS decisions and motivations at this point. You have to admit they make one dumb move after another.

Obscure_Observer3h ago(Edited 3h ago)

"MS has a bad rep now because those studios are no more. I rather them sell the studio continue to make multiplatform releases, while MS continues to focus on whatever they're doing. If they didn't want Tango around they should separated from them or sell them to, like they did TFB."

Imo, MS separated from TFB because they didn´t had a game associated with Xbox yet, unlike Tango.

"I don't trust MS decisions and motivations at this point. You have to admit they make one dumb move after another."

Fair enough. It was indeed an epic dumb move from them to close Tango.

Still, all to be forgotten, like always have. This is not the first time a big publisher shuts down a beloved and/or successful studio out of nowhere and certainly won´t be the last. Do you remember Lionhead? Do you remember Evolution Studios? Yeah... both were beloved studios and yet, those companies kill those studios in q blink of an eye and got away with it.

anast1h ago(Edited 1h ago)

The studio boss made some money from this transaction. Once the game releases, the studio will get chopped up.

-Foxtrot17h ago

Manages to buy their freedom especially after all the shit Microsoft has been doing with its studios lately

...

Goes right back to them as partners.

Okaaaaaay...

darthv7215h ago

Id venture a guess that TFB working directly with MS was a better outcome than working through Activision to get to MS.

VersusDMC13h ago

From the article...

"Toys for Bob spun out as an indie back in February after Microsoft instituted sweeping layoffs that impacted 86 employees, which was more than half of the staff"

I doubt those 86 employees enjoyed the Microsoft experience over Activisions.

Inverno13h ago

MS shuts down studios because of lack of resources and then helps these guys by giving em resources. Also MS is what forced them to buy their freedom in the first place? What kind of logic 😂

Chevalier9h ago

The best thing is that the company that is worth $3 trillion and owns the company instead of Xbox lacks resources. How the hell does a company worth $3 trillion making a measly $70 billion purchase they 'can't' support. Lol

Sciurus_vulgaris15h ago(Edited 15h ago)

Xbox’s gaming division seems to still function as 3 semi-autonomous sub-divisions, Xbox Studios, Bethesda and ABK. The three main sub-divisions can seemingly shut down or build studios and set up partnerships independently. This would explain why Bethesda can recently shutdown studios, while ABK spins off one studio, while building a new one. Plus, Toys for Bob could be spun off by ABK, only to immediately re-partner with Microsoft.

Chevalier9h ago

That's absolutely 💯 BS. Any sane 'autonomous' company would NOT put their games on Gamepass day 1 like COD will lose probably billions.

Also they're all under Xbox game studios so any autonomy is an illusion.

Elda9h ago

Either a kiddie game or something uninteresting.

Obscure_Observer3h ago

Don´t worry. You won´t be playing it anyway since their next game will possible be a next gen Xbox console game.

Elda2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

Don't worry about my comments.

Show all comments (20)
190°

Sony shares big new PS Plus stat, but not the one we want to see

PlayStation Plus has improved the split of PS4 and PS5 players on its priciest tiers, but Sony continues to hide total subscriber numbers.

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theloadout.com
mandf20h ago

lol acting like it’s equivalent to ms numbers

Mr Logic20h ago

Uh...They're definitely not equivalent.

"Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service now has 34 million subscribers."

"the total number of PS Plus subscribers across all tiers was 47.4 million"

darthv7220h ago(Edited 20h ago)

That PSN number seems like it should be much higher... especially when you consider that PS4 alone has a sell through of over 117m. To not even be at least half that is rather interesting.

To the XB side, having 34m to an install base of roughly 50m (XBO sell through) or even 85m (360 sell through) is a greater percentage of unit to member ratio than PSN.

bloop16h ago

That's not the "gotcha" you think it is Darth.

darthv7215h ago

^^it's not supposed to be bloop.... it's just an interesting observation.

Einhander197214h ago

darthv72

"That PSN number seems like it should be much higher... especially when you consider that PS4 alone has a sell through of over 117m. To not even be at least half that is rather interesting.

To the XB side, having 34m to an install base of roughly 50m (XBO sell through) or even 85m (360 sell through) is a greater percentage of unit to member ratio than PSN."

Have you ever heard of a PC before? I hear they are pretty popular.

fr0sty8h ago

MS started lumping gold subscribers in with those GP numbers... keep in mind.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 8h ago
shinoff218319h ago(Edited 19h ago)

What. Definitely more os plus subscribers but that makes sense due to actual console sales

Darth the difference between the bases are huge your right but you gotta think. Ps players buy more games, where as the Xbox base relies on gamepass for their gaming. So it makes perfect sense

darthv7219h ago(Edited 19h ago)

What makes perfect sense though? You say PS players buy more games... so then logically there should be more PS+ subscribers given the increased number of online multiplayer games in the PS4 generation alone. The PS4 was the first time that + was required for online play much like Gold was for 360 users.

Keep in mind we are talking subscribers, not simply XB/PS users. I assume you meant to say offline single player games, which is most likely true as well. That gen also saw a significant increase in games with an online component comparted to the previous gen.

victorMaje18h ago

I for one will be going back to essential at the next renewal. When I feel a game is good & right up my alley, I’ll check trusted reviews & just buy it.

jznrpg17h ago(Edited 17h ago)

I have the top tier until 2028 as they gave me a massive discount for all the years I had left but I’ll most likely go to essential as well. I buy my games but my kids do use the service occasionally. They do prefer to own their games as well since any game can leave the rental service at some point and they don’t like that idea. They mostly use it to demo games then ask me to buy games if they really like it.

RedDevils13h ago

For me, I will cancel it all together but unfortunately I still have it till 2030 lol

meganick17h ago

I would like to see Sony add a fourth tier of PS Plus for people who just want to be able to play games online without any of the perks like monthly games, store discounts, or anything like that, and it should cost $20 annually, $30 maximum. There’s no way I’m paying $80 just to play games online. Even the original $60 fee was too much, and I would often wait for sales to re-up my subscription.

P_Bomb13h ago(Edited 13h ago)

Essential is too expensive, I agree. We’ve got one Essential and one Premium sub. Dropping the Premium when it expires.

gamerz9h ago

Just let my subscription lapse for the first time since 2010. Will sub again every now and then for a month or so to access my old ps+ games but for me it's the end of an era.

DivineHand1259h ago

Let those numbers continue to drop because it is now too expensive. $80 per year just to play online. I noticed they didn't offer any discounts on the subscription or controllers during this year's days of play for the first time in many years and they will feel it when people choose not to renew.

My subscription will lapse next month and it will stay that way until further notice.

KevtheDuff5h ago

There were savings on subs and controllers here in the UK? I bought a controller yesterday in the sale..
It would be weird if those deals were not in other territories too?