How the Activision Blizzard Acquisition Impacts Amazon Luna

In a monumental move that sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, Microsoft announced back in January 2022 their intent to acquire Activision Blizzard for a staggering $68.7 billion. The acquisition would grant Microsoft ownership of a gaming empire that includes renowned franchises such as Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo, Overwatch, and even the casual gaming hit, Candy Crush.

While this acquisition has far-reaching implications for the gaming world, it also raises questions about its impact on Amazon Luna, the cloud gaming service from e-commerce giant Amazon. Here, we delve into the ramifications of this deal and what it means for Luna users.

Microsoft’s Strategic Play

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard isn’t just about adding these beloved franchises to their portfolio. It’s a calculated move to strengthen their Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming services. With this extensive library of titles, Microsoft aims to bolster its offerings and further solidify its position in the cloud gaming arena.

For Amazon Luna, however, the picture isn’t as rosy. While Luna has been steadily expanding its game library, this acquisition means it may miss out on hosting many of the iconic titles from the Activision Blizzard stable. Titles like World of Warcraft, Diablo IV, and Overwatch 2 are now firmly in Microsoft’s grip.

The Call of Duty Exception

One notable exception might be the Call of Duty franchise. Luna could potentially secure access to these blockbuster titles, given its cloud gaming capabilities. This could be a strategic move to attract more users to Luna, but it still leaves Luna’s overall game library far behind what Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have access to.

Ubisoft’s Involvement

A twist in this narrative comes from Ubisoft, the renowned game publisher responsible for franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry. Ubisoft has entered into an agreement with Microsoft, granting them non-exclusive cloud streaming rights not only for Call of Duty but for all Activision Blizzard games for the next 15 years.

What does this mean for Luna? Luna+ subscribers who also have Ubisoft+ might find themselves with a unique opportunity. They could potentially play Activision Blizzard titles through Ubisoft+, even if they aren’t directly available on Luna. It’s an intriguing workaround that could bridge the gap between Luna and these coveted titles.

Luna’s Game Plan

In the rapidly evolving world of cloud gaming, Amazon Luna isn’t backing down from the challenge. While it may not have the full roster of Activision Blizzard titles at its disposal, Luna is committed to expanding its library and refining its cloud gaming services. With a subscription model offering a diverse range of games and the potential to access Activision titles via Ubisoft+, Luna is determined to carve out its own space in the cloud gaming landscape.

The Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal undeniably reshapes the gaming landscape. While Luna may not have a direct line to all of these coveted titles, it remains a contender in the cloud gaming arena. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Luna’s future holds the promise of exciting developments and new surprises for its users.