video games
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Source: picture alliance / Getty / Xbox / Microsoft
Microsoft is cracking down on “unauthorized” controllers and accessories on Xbox consoles.
Xbox console owners were hit with a rude awakening last week.
Posters on Resetera began sharing last week that they were being greeted with a warning informing them their third-party controller would be blocked, with the message “connected accessory is not authorized.”
The Verge reports it is unclear if Xbox’s intention with this move is to target cheaters or push Xbox console owners to use accessories that are a part of its official partner program.
“From the moment you connect an unauthorized accessory and receive error code 0x82d60002, you’ll have two weeks to use the accessory, after which time it will then be blocked from use with the console,” Microsoft said in a support note about the warning message gamers are receiving.
Microsoft continues, “At that time, you’ll receive error code 0x82d60003. We encourage you to contact the store or manufacturer where you obtained the accessory to get help with returning it.”
Specific Devices That Could Be Affected
Third-party accessories that have a “designed for Xbox” label on the box are not affected by the block. Any devices not authorized by Xbox could see the message and be blocked.
Gamers using third-party cheat devices like XIM, Cronus Zen, and ReaSnow S1 could also be affected.
The above devices are used mainly by PC players to imitate controller inputs, allowing mouse and keyboard users to utilize aim assist and reduced recoil from controllers combined with the fast movement mouse and keyboard fans enjoy.
Before Xbox made this move, Activision, Bungie, and Ubisoft had worked diligently to block these devices from being used in first-person shooters like Call of Duty, Destiny 2, and Rainbow Six Siege.
Brooks Gaming, which makes an adapter that allows users to use PlayStation controllers on Xbox, warns of “functional disruptions in the near future” for a number of its products, including the fighting board, steering wheel, and Wingman XB 2 converter in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Reactions From The Gaming Community
Of course, news like this is already getting reactions from the video game community and the implications of who this block will hurt.
Fight video game enthusiast Maximillian Dood directly hit Xbox chief Phil Spencer and Matt Booty on X, begging them to have a change of heart by pointing out how this could be extremely harmful to local fighting game events that use Xbox consoles.
“Heyo @XboxP3 @Xbox @mattbooty This is essentially a death sentence for local fighting game events that run on Xbox, much less, others that can only afford one arcade stick. The @brookgamingfans converters are not cheat devices. They’re a huge boon to the FGC. Please reconsider!” Dood wrote.
Phil Spencer, Matt Booty, or Xbox have yet to issue a statement on the block, but we do expect some comments to arrive very soon.
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Photo: picture alliance / Getty
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Although Trolls Band Together doesn’t come out in theaters until Nov. 17 (you can stream the film’s official soundtrack featuring *NSYNC, Camila Cabello, Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Kid Cudi and more right now), there’s a new Trolls video game that’s available in-stores and from online retailers Friday (Oct. 27).
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Priced at $49.99 on Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Target, Dreamworks Trolls Remix Rescue is a local multiplayer co-op (up to four players) 3D adventure platform game where you play as one of your favorite Trolls — such as Poppy, Branch, Guy Diamond and more — exploring the Troll Kingdom in a noble quest to save the world.
It’s playable on Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X and PS4.
In addition, Dreamworks Trolls Remix Rescue — which is from GameMill Entertainment and developed by Petit Fabrik — features fun mechanics and “Hair-Jitsu” attacks to defeat enemies, including whipping your hair; using your hair to smash, grab, push, pull and throw; hair helicopter twirling and more. Think of it like Sega’s Ristar, but with hair instead of flexible arms.
Meanwhile, you can even create and stylize your own Troll character with different hairstyles, facial expressions and features, outfits and more with thousands of combinations. There are loads of rhythm-based mini-games and puzzles to solve to unlock special items, new abilities, customizable traits for your Troll and much more.
Dreamworks Trolls Remix Rescue for Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4 and Xbox Series X is available for $49.99.
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Source: Nacon / Teyon Games / RoboCop: Rogue City
Xbox has some new pep in its step after finally closing its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard King. To show its focus is back on what’s essential, games, we got a glimpse of what’s to come during the Xbox Partner Preview.
Like PlayStation’s State of Play presentations, the Xbox Partner Preview spotlighted the games coming to the Xbox Series X and Series S console from third-party studios.
During the 30-minute presentation, we got trailers and gameplay footage from Xbox’s third-party partners like Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Remedy Entertainment, Studio Wildcard, Nacon, Konami, and more.
Gamers were happy to see the first in-engine footage from Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, island activities from Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, more gameplay footage from RoboCop: Rogue City, the first footage from Ark: Survival Ascended, and so much more.
In case you missed the Xbox Partner Preview program, we are here to break it down for you.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Source: Konami / Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Snake is back, and he looks better than ever. No, this isn’t a new game, but a revisit to a game many say is the greatest entry into the Metal Gear Solid franchise, Snake Eater.
Now called Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Konami has reimagined the tactical espionage stealth action game using the powerful Unreal Engine 5, giving the game a complete graphics overhaul.
The in-engine look gave us a glimpse of the dense jungle vegetation that will help Snake hide and take out his enemies and the predatory animals that not only pose a danger to Snake but also could be his next meal and help him survive.
Unlike the original game released in 2004, Metal Gear Solid Detla: Snake Eater will not only feature cutting-edge graphics but 3D audio as well when it arrives.
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RoboCop: Rogue City
Source: Nacon/Teyon Games / RoboCop: Rogue City
RoboCop: Rogue City is high on our list of games to play in 2023. While we don’t think this one will be on the level of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 or Diablo IV, it looks fun as hell, dishing out justice and handing out parking tickets as the cyborg.
In the latest look at the game, we get some more story beats, a look at Alex Murphy, aka RoboCop, his partner Lois, some gunplay action, and even a showdown with ED-209.
RoboCop: Rogue City is now available for pre-order—no release word on a release date.
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To see the rest of the announcements from the Xbox Partner Preview, hit the gallery below.
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Photos: Konami / Nacon
1. Alan Wake II Launch Trailer
Per Xbox:
Ritualistic murders in a small town. An FBI agent looking for answers, and a writer looking for an escape from the nightmare he is writing. Who is the victim, and who is the monster? Follow the horror story into the dark when Alan Wake 2 launches on October 27th. Play as the writer, Alan Wake, and the FBI agent, Saga Anderson. Explore two beautiful and terrifying realities, and solve a deadly mystery before it’s too late. Alan Wake 2 is available October 27th on Xbox Series X|S.
For more, head here.
2. ARK: Survival Ascended – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Respawn into a new dinosaur survival experience beyond your wildest dreams… as ARK is reimagined from the ground-up into the next-generation of videogame technology with Unreal Engine 5! You awake on a mysterious island, your senses overwhelmed by the blinding sunlight and brilliant colors bouncing off every surface around you, the azure waters of a verdant Island lapping at your bare feet. A deep roar echoes from the misty jungle, jolting you into action, and you stand up – not afraid, but intrigued. Are you ready to form a tribe, tame and breed hundreds of species of dinosaurs and other primeval creatures, explore, craft, build, and fight your way to the top of the food-chain? Your new world awaits… step through the looking-glass and join it!
For more head, here.
3. LIKE A DRAGON: INFINITE WEALTH | DONDOKO ISLAND REVEAL TRAILER – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Too many street punks getting you down? Time for the getaway you deserve? Dondoko Island is the destination for you. Create the resort of your dreams in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth when it launches January 26th, 2024.
4. Still Wakes the Deep – Gameplay Reveal – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Still Wakes the deep is an upcoming survival horror game from The Chinese Room. Set on an oil rig, this game pushes you through claustrophobic environments and freezing waters escaping an unthinkable horror. Still Wakes The Deep is coming to XBOX in 2024. Secret Mode are a Video Games publisher under Tencent and Sumo Group. Our goal is to delight and inspire you, and that’s why we are Secret Mode.
5. Manor Lords – Release Date Announcement Trailer – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Manor Lords, the highly anticipated historical city-building game, is coming on day one to PC Game Pass! Manor Lords launches in Game Preview on April 26th, 2024.
6. IKARO: Will Not Die – Announce Teaser – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
From Futurlab, the award-winning creators of Powerwash Simulator and Velocity, in partnership with Thunderful, comes IKARO: Will Not Die, a momentum-based, fast-flowing action rogue-lite.
7. Spirit of the North 2 – Announcement Trailer – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Embrace the aurora and save the guardians in Spirit of the North 2, coming to Xbox Series X|S. Unveil the mysteries of a beautiful ancient world in this breathtaking 3rd-Person Adventure, a sequel to the acclaimed ‘Spirit of the North.’ Take on the role of an isolated fox with a raven companion on a quest to restore the lost guardians and return home. In an ancient world left in ruin, embark on the journey of an isolated fox far from home. With the help of a wise Raven companion, seek out the lost legendary guardians and release them from the grasp of the dark shaman Grimnir.
8. Dungeons of Hinterberg Social Gameplay Reveal – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Join us for a deeper dive into the social side to Dungeons of Hinterberg gameplay! In this new trailer, we explore a day in the life of Luisa, what she gets up to and who she meets.
9. THE FINALS – Open Beta Trailer – Xbox Partner Preview
Fight alongside your teammates in the world’s biggest, loudest, and most anticipated combat entertainment game show. Experience destruction in a way you haven’t before. THE FINALS Open Beta kicks off on Xbox Series X|S on October 26 – November 5, 2023.
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Source: Andrew Toth / Getty / FaZe Clan
Esports is struggling, and you don’t have to look further than what popular esports and influencer brand FaZe Clan is going through. Now, the organization is hoping after being purchased, it can stay afloat.
Spotted on The Verge, Faze Clan has been acquired in a stock deal worth about $17 million by gaming analytics and Esports brand company Gamesquare.
The $17 million is a steep drop from Faze’s $725-million valuation at the time of its special purpose acquisition company, SPAC, merger in July of 2022.
The website also notes that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is an investor in Gamesquare.
Like many entities in the Esports industry, the Esports organization has struggled since SPAC made it a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq exchange, posting a $28.4-million loss “through the first half of 2023,” Bloomberg reports.
A History of Struggle
Before news of the $17 million acquisition, FaZe Clan gave CEO Lee Trink the boot. The Esports organization boasted big names like Lil Yachty and LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, as members and NBA hooper Ben Simmons as an investor.
The organization abruptly lost one of its most prominent investors, Snoop Dogg, who reportedly lost millions after investing in the Esports organization.
With the acquisition by Gamesquare, FaZe Clan hopes that hitting the reset button will help right the sinking ship. FaZe Clan’s leadership is reverting to its original leadership structure.
Richard “Faze Banks” Bengtson will serve as CEO, Thomas “Faze Temperrr” Oliveira will become president, and Yousef “Faze Apex” Abdelfattah will take over as COO.
Via a press release, FaZe Clan says it will be “re-engaging with its core fanbase” in hopes that it will return the organization to the top of Esports relevancy.
We shall see if this all works out for the once mega-popular Esports organization.
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Photo: Andrew Toth / Getty
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Source: Blizzard Entertainment / Diablo IV
Still on the fence about entering Sanctuary and taking down Lilith? Well, thanks to Xbox Free Play Days, you can take the game for a spin without opening your wallet.
Diablo IV is currently in its second season, The Season of Blood, and many players have already taken down the game’s big bad Lillith, but many still have not yet experienced the greatness that is Diablo IV.
Kicking off on Thursday, October 19, Xbox Free Play Days gives gamers a chance to play 10 hours of Diablo IV for free, and when the trial is up, buy the game for 25% off.
Players will have access to Diablo IV’s content, and your progress will carry over if you purchase the game.
In our review of Diablo IV, our resident gamer, Beanz, wrote, “I’ve been through hell and back and enjoyed every minute of my hellishly addictive journey in Diablo IV.”
Diablo IV Is Rewarding Players In A Unique Way
In more Diablo IV news, players are encouraged to donate real blood to save lives and earn in-game rewards to celebrate the Season of Blood.
The new season sees Lord Zir use his Blood Seekers to raid the Sanctuary to procure blood for him using Blood Harvest rituals where players must defeat mini-bosses.
Diablo offers players in the United States residents a chance to donate “666 quarts of actual donated blood (equaling around 1,332 separate donations, with 1 pint per donation) into in-game rewards, while ultimately helping to save lives.”
Once the goal is reached, players who donated and those who didn’t will be entered in a contest to win a new custom-built PC infused with real human blood in its liquid cooling, which pays tribute to the game.
Well damn.
Here is a breakdown of the giveaway:
Tier 1: At 33% participation of the total 666-quart goal, all players will receive weapon cosmetics which include:
Dagger – Bloodpetal Anlace
Axe – Bloodpetal Sever
Necro Offhand – Bloodpetal Heart
Sword – Bloodpetal Blade
Druid Staff – Bloodpetal Bludgeon
Tier 2: At 66% participation, all players will receive the aforementioned rewards plus The Loch Raeth Maor Barbarian armor set.
Tier 3: At 100% participation, all players will receive the aforementioned rewards plus the Vermilion Eye Piebald mount, and the custom real human blood-infused PC sweepstakes will become available to enter.
So what are you waiting for? Download the gamer and start a journey in Sanctuary to spill some demon blood and guts.
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Photo: Blizzard Entertainment / Diablo IV
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Ever since the first Super Mario Bros. game back in 1985, Mario became best known for 2D adventures. And after more than 10 years since the release of the last side-scrolling platform game, New Super Mario Bros. U for Nintendo Wii U, Mario is back in 2D with Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
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Exclusively for Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is priced at $59.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Target. This game features Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, Toadette, Nabbit and Yoshi (four colors) as playable characters. However, instead of an adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario and friends find themselves in the Flower Kingdom.
Nintendo
As for the game’s story, Mario, Luigi and friends make a trip to the Flower Kingdom to visit Prince Florian. However, during their visit, Bowser, Bowser Jr. and Kamek surprise attack the kingdom to kidnap the prince and steal the magical Wonder Flower. You must pick your favorite character, rescue the prince, get the Wonder Flower back and restore peace and order to the Flower Kingdom.
In addition, there are new power-ups and abilities for Super Mario Bros. Wonder — Elephant Fruit will turn you into a stampeding elephant, a Bubble Flower allows you to trap enemies in floating bubbles, a Drill Mushroom can help you navigate through levels and a special Wonder Flower can turn any level into delightfully, trippy chaos.
After playing a few levels, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a joyful throwback to past Mario games, like the original Super Mario Bros. trilogy, Super Mario World, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins and others, but updated with modern graphics and animations, as well as up to four multi-player co-op — local and online. This adds a new wrinkle to the gameplay and mechanics since you’re playing with and against each other in a common goal to clear levels. In other words, it plays like Super Mario Bros., but looks and feels like Super Smash Bros. at the same time.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch is out now for $59.99.
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Source: NurPhoto / Getty / PS5 / PlayStation 5
Cloud streaming on the PS5 is finally here, and it could alleviate one major headache when utilizing space on your console.
In a recent blog post, Sony broke bread about the cloud streaming feature now available for PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers.
Information about the new feature, including bandwidth recommendations, stands out the most and is not as demanding as some believed it would be.
Per the blog post, Sony recommends 52Mbps for 4K, 38Mbps for 1440p, 23Mbps for 1080p, and 13Mbps for 720p. The recommended settings sit at HDR or SDR at 60Hz; at minimum, the bandwidth drops to 5Mbps for 720p and 38Mbps for 4K.
Another notable tidbit from the blog post is the information we were already privy to: you can only stream PS5 games on your PS5 console.
No games can be streamed on the soon-to-be-released PlayStation Portal companion device, which only allows you to play games over Wi-Fi locally.
Cloud streaming is currently available in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers in Japan enjoy the new features, while European subscribers will see it go live on October 23, and folks in the United States have to wait till October 30.
This could be a helpful game-changer for PS5 console owners and make the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription look even more attractive and worth its asking price.
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Photo: NurPhoto / Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: NurPhoto / Getty / Grand Theft Auto
Finally, there is some Grand Theft Auto news; unfortunately, it has nothing to do with GTA 6.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, Netflix Games is trying hard to secure a Grand Theft Auto game on its service in an attempt to bolster its lineup of original games after acquiring several development studios.
The WSJ reports that Netflix Games “discussed plans” to drop a Grand Theft Auto game on its service by securing a licensing deal with Rockstar Games parent company, Take-Two Interactive.
What would that game look like? That remains to be seen, but according to IGN, it will likely be a mobile title.
Per IGN:
As things now stand, any GTA spin-off that ended up on Netflix would inevitably be a mobile game, as currently the only way to play Netflix’s portfolio is through its mobile app. The report suggests that Netflix hopes to eventually expand its library to include games that can be streamed from TV or PC.
According to one analyst speaking to the WSJ, Netflix has spent about $1 billion on games so far. And it seems to be aiming to hire more game executives to oversee a foray into AAA titles. But there’s currently no good way to tell exactly how well that investment is paying off for the company, or whether it ever will.
Netflix Games Is A Pure Struggle
It’s clear Netflix is looking for a win for its Netflix Games service. Since launching in 2022, the service has yet to take off. IGN reports that 20 games on the service have been downloaded 70.5 million times.
That’s a drop in the bucket compared to other mobile game downloads. Apptopia claims only 1% of Netflix subscribers enjoy Netflix Games daily.
We shall see if Netflix Games can land its golden goose.
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Photo: NurPhoto / Getty
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If you gotta go fast, then Sega has good news for you — the video game company is releasing Sonic Superstars, their newest 2D platform Sonic game and the first since Sonic Mania in 2017, across consoles.
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Priced at $59.99 on Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Target, Sonic Superstars is a new 2D side-scrolling adventure that features Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles “Tails” Prower, Knuckles the Echidna and Amy Rose — all as playable characters.
The game drops on Oct. 17 for Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One and PS4.
Nintendo/Amazon
Set on the uncharted Northstar Islands, Sonic Superstars follows Sonic and team joining forces to defeat Dr. Eggman, the mercenary Fang the Hunter and the mysterious Trip the Sungazer from stealing the Chaos Emeralds and turning all the animals on the island into robotic Badniks.
The game also features new Chaos Emerald power-ups to help you clear levels and conquer enemies. Sonic can now multiply, swim up waterfalls, change form and much more.
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After playing a few levels and bonus stages, Sonic Superstars — which also features co-op multiplayer — is a return to classic Sonic games from the ’90s, like the Sonic The Hedgehog trilogy, Sonic & Knuckles and others, while its blazing fast gameplay keeps gamers active when clearing levels. Sonic’s new power-up mechanics is a breath of fresh air, as it gives characters more usability.
In addition, choosing a character also comes down to a bit of strategy because each character has their own pros and cons. For example, Sonic is fast when running, while Knuckles is fast when climbing up walls. Gameplay varies from character to character and player to player. If you haven’t played a Sonic game since the ’90s, then Sonic Superstars is a good one to pick up — if you want to recapture the gaming experiences of your youth, but with modern animations and graphics.
Sonic Superstars for Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Xbox One is available for $59.99.
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Source: Microsoft / Xbox / Activision Blizzard
After months of court battles, unfortunate document leaks, and social media discourse, Microsoft can officially welcome Activision Blizzard into the fold.
Call of Duty, Diablo, Overwatch, World of Warcraft, Starcraft, Candy Crush, and other titles have a new home: Xbox. Friday, October 13, Xbox Wire shared a post announcing the news Team Xbox has been waiting months, if not years, to hear the $69 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition is a done deal.
Phil Spencer happily announced in the blog post that Xbox is now working on bringing Activision Blizzard’s library of games to Game Pass.
“Today we start the work to bring beloved Activision, Blizzard, and King franchises to Game Pass and other platforms. We’ll share more about when you can expect to play in the coming months. We know you’re excited – and we are too,” Spencer said.
PlayStation & Nintendo Gamers, Y’all Are Safe… For Now
The Xbox Chief also reassured the millions of gamers on other platformers.
“For the millions of fans who love Activision, Blizzard, and King games, we want you to know that today is a good day to play,” he said. “You are the heart and soul of these franchises, and we are honored to have you as part of our community. Whether you play on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC or mobile, you are welcome here – and will remain welcome, even if Xbox isn’t where you play your favorite franchise. Because when everyone plays, we all win. We believe our news today will unlock a world of possibilities for more ways to play. Thank you for the ongoing support. We have so much more to come in the months ahead – I’m excited for the future and cannot wait to share it with you.”
With the deal finally closing, that doesn’t mean Call of Duty and Diablo are going to Game Pass immediately. Activision Blizzard made it clear that Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo IV would not be on the gaming streaming service.
Call of Duty Is Coming To Ubisoft+
But thanks to a deal with Ubisoft granting the publisher cloud streaming rights, which helped Xbox secure the deal, Ubisoft announced Call of Duty and other Activision Blizzard games will be coming to Ubisoft+.
“In August, Ubisoft announced an agreement with Microsoft granting the publisher the perpetual cloud streaming rights for Call of Duty and all other current Activision Blizzard games and those released over the next 15 years once Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is complete,” the blog post begins.
Sayonara Bobby Kotich
Also, with the news of the deal closing, current problematic Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is on his way out. In an email to his employees, he announced he is staying until the end of 2023 to help with the transition period.
“I have long said that I am fully committed to helping with the transition,” says Kotick in the email to Activision Blizzard employees. “Phil has asked me to stay on as CEO of ABK, reporting to him, and we have agreed that I will do that through the end of 2023. We both look forward to working together on a smooth integration for our teams and players.”
Congrats to Team Xbox and Activision Blizzard.
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Photo: Microsoft / Xbox / Activision Blizzard