#blizzard

The roadmap calls for 100+ Activision and Blizzard classics to roll out over time, giving fans an ever-growing vault of retro content to explore. With this initiative, Microsoft leverages its vast Activision Blizzard catalog following its high-profile acquisition, ensuring that classic franchises get a new lease on life. In a recent podcast interview that’s sparking lively debates across the industry, former EA Chief Creative Officer Bing Gordon revealed that EA once had the chance to acquire major gaming franchises—including Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, and even Blizzard Entertainment—before Activision stepped in. At the time, EA evaluated these prospects but ultimately decided against acquiring them, a decision that would later allow Activision Blizzard to secure titles that have gone on to become some of the most influential in the market. Kotick, reflecting on these missed opportunities, expressed high regard for the teams that managed to maintain the core creative talent at Blizzard. He emphasized that this strategic decision was crucial; preserving Blizzard’s creative vision was key to the company’s enduring success. Moreover, Kotick recalled that Blizzard had already secured a deal for the Warcraft movie prior to its acquisition by Activision, a move he later criticized for diverting focus from game development. Read more in our articles including "Microsoft Unveils 50+ Retro Classics on Game Pass" and "EA's Big Miss: Passing on Gaming Giants".