Microsoft has announced a new ten-year deal that will guarantee access to Xbox games, including Activision Blizzard’s highly popular library, especially crown jewel franchise Call of Duty. This move echoes the recent deals signed between Microsoft and Nintendo, as well as Microsoft and Nvidia.
This new deal has been signed with Boosteroid. A Ukraine-based cloud gaming provider, Boosteroid will now have a significantly boosted (hehe) game library, should Microsoft successfully acquire Activision Blizzard. Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, described the deal as both “a victory for Ukraine”, as well as “for gamers and regulators” in a quote tweet of Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov. His full tweet on the announcement can be seen below.
This agreement is a victory not just for gamers and for regulators who want to ensure broad access to Call of Duty. It's a victory for Ukraine and the many talented software developers who work there. Including at @Boosteroid_main! Thank you @FedorovMykhailo for your leadership. https://t.co/uTZL5MGf40
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) March 14, 2023
Microsoft is trying hard to appease regulators around the world, particularly in the UK, the EU and the USA, as competitive authorities probe their gigantic potential acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The acquisition has been faced with some heavy criticism for its potential monopolistic outcomes, particularly in the cloud gaming space. This new deal, the second to be made in the cloud gaming market after Nvidia’s, is a clear message from Microsoft to regulators.
This move also comes as part of Microsoft’s “ongoing commitment” of supporting Ukraine. Microsoft’s announcement statement shares their other recent moves to support the people of Ukraine, including adding Ukrainian language support to Xbox, PC and mobile apps, as well as the forthcoming launch of PC Game Pass in Ukraine later this spring.
Can you see any more major Microsoft agreements coming soon? Do you think the Activision Blizzard acquisition will go through? Let us know in the comments below, and keep your eyes on GameLuster for more gaming news.
Be sure to also to check out our massive Activision Blizzard acquisition page for the latest news and in-depth explainers on recent events!
