Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has one major hurdle left and that’s getting approval from the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). To address the CMA’s concerns regarding cloud streaming, Microsoft has filed a new merger application that includes a divestiture of cloud streaming rights at closing with respect to current and new PC and console games, according to an email sent from Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick to employees. One of those moves to address the CMA’s concerns has made Ubisoft+ an unlikely beneficiary, as Ubisoft’s cloud streaming service will now get access to Activision Blizzard games.
An agreement has been signed that gives Ubisoft cloud streaming rights to games like Call of Duty and more, as long as Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is completed. According to Ubisoft, the agreement includes the complete slate of current Activision Blizzard games, as well as all their new titles launching in the 15 years after the closing of the acquisition. The games will be available on Ubisoft+ and will also allow Ubisoft to license them to cloud gaming companies, service providers, and console makers.
“With a single subscription to Ubisoft+ Multi Access, players will soon be able to play their favorite Ubisoft games and stream their favorite Activision Blizzard games across multiple platforms including PC, Xbox consoles and Amazon Luna, and on the PlayStation platform through Ubisoft+ Classics,” wrote Daniel O’Connor in a statement. “The agreement will offer players even greater access to a large library of beloved and classic titles as well as the newest releases, all through cloud streaming.”
Since this is contingent on Microsoft closing its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft doesn’t have a definitive date as to when Activision Blizzard titles will be added to Ubisoft+ and other cloud gaming platforms. But this is one surprising consolation from Microsoft in hopes of winning the CMA over.
