This week, Microsoft and Xbox shocked the gaming world by agreeing to acquire Activision/Blizzard. The move was not without controversy. Over the last two years, Activision has been reacting to sexual harassment and gender discrimination accusations within its company.
However, that doesn’t mean that the heads at Microsoft aren’t excited about the merger. During a recent interview with the Washington Post, Xbox head Phil Spencer discussed reviving some dormant Activision properties.
Spencer told the Washington Post, “I was looking at the IP list, I mean, let’s go! King’s Quest,’ ‘Guitar Hero,’ I should know this, but I think they got ”HeXen.'”
The Xbox head was right about Hexen being an Activision property. Hexen was a popular title developed back in the mid 11990’s. The last release of the title was back in 2002. Guitar Hero was also a massive hit for Activision. There were seven versions of the title made, the last coming in 2015. Players would be very excited about new versions of those games, along with many others.
Spencer also talked about using partner studios like Toys for Bob to improve current Activision games. He continued:
“We’re hoping that we’ll be able to work with them when the deal closes to make sure we have resources to work on franchises that I love from my childhood, and that the teams really want to get. I’m looking forward to these conversations. I really think it’s about adding resources and increasing capability.”
The Xbox chief was also asked about the sexual harassment scandal that has dogged Activision. He told the Post, “We spent time with the Activision team looking at the incidents, looking at employee polls, and then had a good discussion with them about their plan, both the progress they’ve been making and what their plan was.”
