With the takeover of Activision Blizzard last year, Blizzard Entertainment became the property of Microsoft. But what influence does the purchase by the Redmond software company have on the internal processes of the “Diablo” and “World of Warcraft” makers?
After various legal disputes and a legal dispute with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC for short), Microsoft completed its approximately $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard last year.
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Blizzard Entertainment was one of the studios that became Microsoft's property when the publisher was purchased. But what influence did the takeover by the Xbox makers have on the internal processes of the studio behind well-known series such as “Diablo” or “Overwatch”?
A question that Holly Longdale, vice president of the studio and executive producer of the online role-playing game “World of Warcraft,” answered in an interview with Videogames Chronicle. They described the takeover by Microsoft as entirely positive and helpful.
Blizzard can remain Blizzard
“It was really just helpful,” Longdale said of the acquisition. “We had time with Helen Chang from Mojang and we shared information so we basically had access to what worked for her. We were also able to talk to the Elder Scrolls Online team and share what we're doing and what's working well. It’s almost like it gives us an advantage.”
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“No one is asking us to do anything,” Longdale emphasized. “World of Warcraft is doing very well and they are very proud of what it has achieved. So it's almost like you just keep doing it and let it continue to be great.”
“They have been tremendously supportive and they just let Blizzard be Blizzard.”
There is talk of a console version of World of Warcraft
Another topic that Blizzard Entertainment's vice president spoke about in the interview is a possible console port of the hit online role-playing game “World of Warcraft.”
The studio still has nothing to announce in this regard. However, a console version of the MMO is said to be a topic that the developers regularly talk about internally.
“We have these three expansions and we’re really excited about them. But yes, of course. “It would be very disingenuous to say that we're not… of course we're talking about it,” said Longsdale about a possible console version of “World of Warcraft. “We are Microsoft now.”
The team's current focus is on the upcoming expansion “The War Within,” which “World of Warcraft” players can look forward to later this year.
Source: Video Games Chronicle
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