The recent merger between Microsoft (MSFT) and Activision Blizzard (ATVI) has sparked discussions about its potential consequences for the gaming industry. While some positive aspects are anticipated, concerns are also being raised about how the deal might affect third-party publishers, consumers, and the industry as a whole.
Positive Impact on Cloud Gaming Adoption
One favorable outcome of the merger is the potential acceleration of cloud gaming adoption. Cloud gaming, although unlikely to fully replicate console fidelity, offers the advantage of mobility, a feature that has contributed to the success of platforms like Nintendo’s Switch. While Xbox’s cloud service has previously been limited to Game Pass titles, the acquisition of Activision Blizzard could result in popular games like Call of Duty, Diablo, and Overwatch becoming accessible via the cloud. This development might trigger deals with other publishers to bring additional third-party titles to the cloud, expanding the selection available for gamers on the go.
Negative Implications for the Industry
However, the merger also raises concerns about negative implications:
- Impact on Subscriptions and Third-Party Publishers: The inclusion of Activision Blizzard’s games in Xbox’s Game Pass subscription service could shift the industry towards subscription models. This move might undermine Sony’s ability to invest in AAA content, as their top-tier titles can’t immediately be included in a subscription service. While consumers may initially benefit from access to a wider range of games, this shift could lead to reduced investments in high-quality content, ultimately affecting the quality of gaming experiences.
- Pressure on Third-Party Titles: The presence of Activision Blizzard games on Game Pass could drive up playtime for those titles, potentially leading to decreased time spent on other premium games. To compete, other third-party publishers might feel compelled to place their titles on Game Pass, which could undermine their ability to invest in AAA content. This outcome could result in a decrease in the quality of third-party games available to consumers.
- Shift in Balance of Power: The vertical integration resulting from the merger could shift the balance of power in the industry. Publishers like Electronic Arts, Take-Two, and Ubisoft heavily rely on platforms like PlayStation and Xbox for sales. As these platforms become more vertically integrated, they gain more leverage over publishers, potentially affecting the economics of the industry. This could lead to scenarios where platforms extract a larger share of industry economics, affecting both publishers and the quality of content available to consumers.
While the MSFT-ATVI merger offers potential benefits such as accelerated cloud gaming adoption, the negative implications on subscriptions, third-party publishers, and the balance of power in the industry raise valid concerns. The gaming community will be keenly observing how these factors play out in the wake of this transformative merger. As the industry evolves, stakeholders must carefully consider the potential consequences and work towards maintaining a healthy gaming ecosystem that benefits both publishers and consumers alike.
