“Microsoft to Provide Unrestricted Access to Activision Blizzard Games for Cloud Gaming Platforms: EU Approval and Licensing Agreements”

Mones Hawass Books

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 12:00 AM

According to the Indian TOI website, the European Union has requested that Microsoft provide unrestricted access to all Activision Blizzard games through a “free license” arrangement for cloud game streaming platforms. This will enable any cloud gaming service operating within the European Union to offer Activision titles.

“A free license to consumers in the European Economic Area that would allow them to stream, via any cloud game streaming services of their choice, all current and future Activision Blizzard games for PC and consoles for which they have a license,” the EU statement read.

In response, Microsoft proposed a set of 10-year licensing commitments. “The European Commission has required Microsoft to automatically license popular Activision Blizzard games to competing cloud gaming services. This will be applied globally and will empower millions of consumers around the world,” Microsoft president Brad Smith said in a tweet. The world can play these games on any device they choose.”

How does the European Union’s decision benefit players?

The decision will benefit gamers, as the licensing agreements will enable those who have purchased Activision games on PC or console stores, or subscribe to multiple game services, including Activision titles, to stream them on any cloud game service and play them on different devices and operating systems.

Microsoft has signed agreements with Boosteroid, Ubitus, Nvidia and Nintendo to allow Xbox PC games to be played on competing cloud gaming services, and the deal gives these cloud game providers 10-year access to Call of Duty and other Activision Blizzard games.