Microsoft reportedly created a team within Blizzard to focus on smaller games based on the company's biggest franchises

Microsoft reportedly formed a fresh team within Blizzard to create smaller-sized ‘AA’ games that explore deep into the story world of Blizzard’s current IPs. This news follows significant staff reductions within Microsoft’s gaming department, which resulted in almost 1,900 team members leaving, including Mike Ybarra, president at Blizzard Entertainment. However, Microsoft appears to be recovering from these difficulties and wants to move ahead by creating new departments.

According to the latest reports, this new team is intriguingly mainly composed of ex-King developers. We’re talking about the creators behind mobile gaming hits such as Candy Crush Saga—Microsoft bought them along with Activision Blizzard in October 2023.

This suggests a shift towards mobile platforms, but it’s apparent that Microsoft doesn’t limit itself to this path; it could release on other platforms, too. The intention here is clear: developing games that are not just financially successful but have a significant impact in the gaming domain – similar to how Palworld made waves when it became an enormous success on Xbox Game Pass earlier this year.

Microsoft is adjusting its plan towards less expensive and more experimental games, which can be created without requiring the substantial budget associated with AAA titles. The company won’t be moving away from high-budget games (in fact, The War Within, World of Warcraft’s upcoming expansion, is set to be released later this month). Still, they’re looking into ways to utilize their vast collection of game franchises intelligently.

Such an approach might result in new games that, although smaller in size, could provide fresh and captivating experiences for players on different platforms.

But think about this: What might these outcomes imply for Microsoft’s gaming future? The emphasis on smaller and agile teams working with well-liked series possibly suggests a comeback of old games or new ones that delve into the extensive storylines within Blizzard’s universes. This is a thrilling period for gamers, particularly those who have been fans of these franchises since they were young and are excited to see what Microsoft does with them in the future.