Spencer added: \u201cThe fantastic franchises across Activision Blizzard will also accelerate our plans for Cloud Gaming, allowing more people in more places around the world to participate in the Xbox community using phones, tablets, laptops and other devices you already own.\u201d<\/p>\n

As for whether this deal means that Activision games will stop appearing on other consoles such as the PS4, PS5<\/a> and Nintendo Switch<\/a>, Spencer said, \u201cActivision Blizzard games are enjoyed on a variety of platforms and we plan to continue to support those communities moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not exactly a clear cut yes or no answer to the big question on the minds of CoD fans \u2013 will the next Call of Duty game be an Xbox exclusive? \u2013 but it does at least suggest that Spencer has those players on other platforms in mind on some level.<\/p>\n

Seeming to reference the recent allegations of sexual harassment and other misconduct at Activision Blizzard (as recently as yesterday, The Wall Street Journal<\/a> was reporting that firings were taking place at Activision Blizzard following these allegations), the Xbox Wire blog said this:<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a company, Microsoft is committed to our journey for inclusion in every aspect of gaming, among both employees and players. We deeply value individual studio cultures. We also believe that creative success and autonomy go hand-in-hand with treating every person with dignity and respect. We hold all teams, and all leaders, to this commitment. We\u2019re looking forward to extending our culture of proactive inclusion to the great teams across Activision Blizzard.\u201d<\/p>

Microsoft made headlines last year when it acquired Bethesda, the studio behind such games and franchises as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Dishonored, Starfield<\/a> and Deathloop<\/a>. In a similar fashion to what Spencer has promised today, when that deal closed, much of Bethesda\u2019s back catalogue arrived on Game Pass at no extra cost to the subscription service\u2019s members.<\/p>\n

The news of Microsoft\u2019s acquisition of Activision Blizzard comes soon after a rumour broke via Bloomberg<\/a> \u2013 the report claimed that Sony is working on its own PlayStation Game Pass subscription service to rival Microsoft\u2019s Xbox Game Pass, a proposition that just got a lot harder. Forget the console wars. Begun, the subscription wars have\u2026<\/p>\n

Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter<\/a> for all the latest insights. Or if you\u2019re looking for something to watch, see our TV Guide.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Visit our video game release schedule<\/a> for all upcoming games on consoles. Swing by our hubs for more Gaming<\/a> and Technology<\/a>\u00a0news.<\/strong><\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

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