According to a Blizzard executive, Microsoft doesn't mess with the developers. Yet!
The game developer has free reign over its games
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Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in 2023. So, many of us were skeptical about the future of its games. After all, there were also employee layoffs. However, since then, things calmed down for both companies.
Blizzard benefits from the Microsoft takeover, especially since it feels like a partnership. According to Holly Longdale, the executive producer and vice president of World of Warcraft, the company shares information with Mojang and the Elder Scrolls Online team.
How does Microsoft influences Blizzard?
Based on Holly Logdale, Microsoft allows Blizzard to do whatever they want. In addition, World of Warcraft keeps having a steady player count. On top of that, the number of subscribers is slowly rising. Also, at the moment, WoW might have more than seven million players.
Microsoft might be able to make Blizzard shine again in the upcoming years. After all, three new World of Warcraft expansions will be available soon. The first one is The War Within and comes with the 20th Anniversary Collector Edition. Afterward, we are getting Midnight and The Last Titan.
By the way, you can register for the beta version of The War Within.
The War Within will happen in the underground kingdoms of Azeroth. On top of that, this expansion lets you play as an Earthen. However, Midnight and The Last Titan take place in the Old World.
Diablo 4 is getting its first expansion this year, known as Vessel of Hatred. It will bring a new class to the game and new areas. Also, this is just one of the two announced expansions.
As you can see, the reign of Microsoft over Blizzard is not that bad. The game developer can continue its work unbothered. Additionally, the company has more resources and help from developers who work under Microsoft.
In a nutshell, Microsoft is greatly helping Blizzard accomplish new heights. In addition, the company has more resources available. Unfortunately, the layoffs slowed down or stopped the work on some projects. Yet, we can hope Blizzard will bring more new games to their library. Also, Microsoft might revive some of the old franchises.
However, we do remember about the latest Microsoft guidelines for the developers to avoid gender stereotypes, so we’re not 100% sure that there is no implication from the software giant.
What are your thoughts? Do you think that Microsoft’s takeover benefits Blizzard? Let us know in the comments.
