Microsoft’s Activision-Blizzard Acquisition: Titles They Must Revive

Activision Blizzard deal has fans demanding Microsoft to revive a handful of forgotten titles

Microsoft has finalized its mammoth $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, the publisher behind some of the biggest blockbuster games like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Diablo. The road to this victory hasn't been smooth, with the tech giant having to defeat the Federal Trade Commission in a US federal court and restructuring the deal to appease the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). But now, the dust has settled, and the world is waiting to see what Microsoft does next with its gaming empire!

Today is a good day to play. We officially welcome Activision Blizzard King to Team Xbox. Together, we’ll create stories and experiences that bring players together, in a culture empowering everyone to do their best work and celebrate diverse perspectives. https://t.co/KBCESknYYh https://t.co/jTHOeH48Wx

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) October 13, 2023

Microsoft has made its largest acquisition with this deal, surpassing even the $26 billion it paid for LinkedIn in 2016 and the $7.5 billion it paid for Bethesda in 2021. This acquisition is also a significant milestone for Microsoft's foray into the gaming industry, as it positions the company as the third-largest gaming company by revenue, trailing only Tencent and Sony.

Activision Blizzard Games Fans Want to be Revived

There are some seriously awesome titles and franchises that Activision Blizzard has let fall to the wayside lately. But imagine if someone with a fresh perspective came along and breathed new life into these games – they could become just as legendary as they were back in the day!

7. Guitar Hero

In the early 2000s, Guitar Hero was the king of music video games. Everyone was hooked on strumming those plastic guitars to classic rock anthems. But as quickly as it rose to the top, it seemed to disappear. What caused the downfall of this beloved franchise? Some speculate that the shift from guitars to instruments like drums and microphones played a role. Suddenly, players needed a whole band setup instead of just one guitar-shaped controller.

Despite its decline, Guitar Hero still holds a special place in the hearts of many. It remains a fixture in arcades worldwide, proving that there are still enough die-hard fans who would love to see a modern version of this classic game.

6. Spyro The Dragon

Spyro the Dragon – the beloved mascot of console gaming in the 90s. Spyro was an instant hit and left an unforgettable impression on gamers of all ages. Thanks to the 2018 remaster Spyro Reignited Trilogy, the iconic character returned and stole the hearts of a new generation of gamers. It was so successful that it became the best-selling PS4 game in Australia during its release week.

With the recent release of Crash Bandicoot 4, it's high time for Spyro to make a comeback, too. After all, who can forget the dynamic duo that ruled the gaming world in the 90s? The Spyro fandom is still intense, and fans eagerly await a new addition to their favorite dragon's adventures. And let's remember the younger audience who would be thrilled to explore the magical realms of Spyro's world. So, a new Spyro game would be a massive hit among gamers of all ages.

5. Skylanders

Have you ever wondered what happened to Spyro, the beloved purple dragon? Well, Skylanders has the answer! But don't be fooled; Skylanders is not just a mere Spyro clone that cashed in on the dragon's fame. It has its unique spin on things that sets it apart.

Skylanders took the gaming world by storm with its toys-to-life concept, which generated billions of dollars in revenue by selling hundreds of millions of character figures. Despite its success, the series seemed to have met its demise and was left forgotten in the gaming graveyard of every gamer's basement. However, the series can potentially stage a remarkable comeback with the right marketing strategy.

4. Starcraft

StarCraft is a remarkable collection of real-time strategy games that have captivated gamers for over two decades. Despite its long-standing reputation, the genre of real-time strategy games needs to be more noticed and understood by many gamers. However, those who have played StarCraft know it is a complex and challenging game that demands strategic thinking and quick reflexes.

One of the standout features of StarCraft is its rich and immersive story, which is set in a distant corner of the galaxy. The game's lore is so well-developed that it has spawned a vibrant community of fans who have created their own stories and artwork inspired by the game.

Unlike many other popular games, StarCraft offers a unique gaming experience not dominated by first-person shooters or action games. It is a refreshing change of pace that challenges players to think strategically and make quick decisions under pressure.

3. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater

The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series is the ultimate champion of skateboarding games, and for good reason. With fluid and satisfying gameplay and incredible soundtracks featuring some of the most iconic songs of their age, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games have been unbeatable for years. Although there have been other skateboarding games, none have come close to the level of awesomeness that this series has to offer.

So, it's no surprise that the remastered versions of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 were highly anticipated and well-received. And if the thought of a new mainline game in the series doesn't excite you, then I don't know what will!

2. Hexen

Are you a fan of Doom, Dark Fantasy, and Dark Souls? If so, you have to check out Hexen. This game is very similar to Doom in many ways, and it was even built using a modified version of the same engine.

Hexen is a brutal first-person shooter that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Nowhere is safe in this game, and your only chance at survival is to keep moving. While Doom is known for establishing this genre, Hexen took it to the next level by ditching linear-level design in exchange for a more open-ended layout.

This game requires you to backtrack and navigate several areas via a hub world instead of completing one level simultaneously. This makes it a lot more challenging and unforgiving than your average FPS, but it's also what makes it so satisfying when you finally complete it. If you're a gamer who loves a good challenge, you won't be able to put Hexen down!

1. Prototype

I can't help but think how incredible a modern Prototype game would be. While it was a fantastic game for its time, there is unbelievable potential for a new entry. When I think of a modern game that Prototype could be compared to, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales comes to mind. Of course, a new Prototype game would be far darker and grittier, but one of the best parts of Miles Morales is the satisfaction of effortlessly swinging through the streets on vine-like webs.

In the original Prototype, Alex Mercer's virus powers provided a similar experience as you park your way around the city. How he could run up walls, glide through the air, and consume other beings to gain their abilities was genuinely awe-inspiring. Even though Microsoft hasn't announced any plans to revive the series, the games still hold up today and are well worth playing.

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