Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard brought in popular franchises like Diablo and Call of Duty, as well as casual mobile games from subsidiary King, such as the Candy Crush series. There are indications that Microsoft is working on a mobile store to cater to the mobile gaming market.
Testing has reportedly begun on a browser-based mobile store, set to be available to Xbox Insiders soon. Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed plans for a mobile store launch in July, with titles like Candy Crush and Minecraft making their way to the platform first.
Microsoft’s strategy of expanding to mobile platforms aligns with their approach to Cloud Gaming, making content accessible across devices. CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the company’s focus on mobile and other platforms during a recent earnings call.
Another report suggests that Microsoft and Activision have formed a team within Blizzard to focus on midsized games within existing universes. This approach allows Microsoft to release multiple titles each year without the high costs associated with AAA development.
Overall, Microsoft’s move into mobile gaming signifies a strategic shift towards capturing a wider audience across various platforms.