Microsoft Gathers a Team to Develop a Small-Scale AA Game
In January of this year, Microsoft laid off 1,900 employees from its gaming division, leading to significant changes at Blizzard. Many employees, including Blizzard’s president Mike Ybarra, departed, and a long-developed unnamed survival game was canceled. However, shortly after, the company began hiring new staff for another undisclosed game.
Microsoft Develops a New “AA” Game Based on a Blizzard IP
According to Windows Central, this new team formed by Microsoft and Blizzard to develop a AA game primarily consists of former members of King’s team. King, Activision Blizzard’s mobile game development studio, is known for successful games like “Candy Crush.” Therefore, it is speculated that this new game could be a mobile game, although it may also be developed for other platforms.
Microsoft plans to save costs on AAA games by developing smaller, perhaps even experimental, AA games. This strategy has gained importance following the significant success of Microsoft’s small-scale game “Pentiment” earlier this year.
Microsoft sparked significant debate with moves regarding Game Pass. The company has now shared its official revenue figures with the press.
Microsoft’s desire to make changes with this new game is seen as part of its broader efforts to develop cost-effective solutions within the gaming industry. Although the details of the new game have not been fully disclosed, it is suggested that it could be themed around one of Blizzard’s popular IPs, such as “Overwatch,” “Warcraft,” or “Starcraft.”
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