Until then, Microsoft had been careful not to reveal the exact number of Xbox Game Pass subscribers. But on the occasion of the takeover of the video game giant Activision-Blizzard, the American company finally lifted the veil on this well-kept secret: 25 million users.
The news of this Tuesday, January 18, 2022 was occupied by a surprise announcement from Microsoft. Indeed, the Redmond firm has formalized the acquisition of a heavyweight in the video game industry: Activision-Blizzard. The American company has put 60 billion dollars on the table to acquire the publisher of ultra popular licenses such as Call Of Duty and World of Warcraft.
With this operation, Microsoft therefore adds 14 studios to its already substantial armada, since the company had previously acquired Zenimax Media, the parent company of Bethesda, in September 2020. In total, Microsoft therefore finds itself at the head of 30 development studios. There are big names, such as Arkane, Id Software, Machine Games, 343 Industries, not to mention Infinity Ward, Treyarch or Rare.
Xbox Game Pass hits 25 million subscribers
As you’d expect, this buyout is great news for all Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Phil Spencer, now the big boss of Microsoft Gaming, has confirmed that many Activision-Blizzard games will enter the gaming service as soon as the merger between the two companies is complete. In parallel, the manager also revealed in an official statement the current number of Xbox Game Pass subscribers:
“The acquisition also bolsters Microsoft’s Game Pass portfolio with plans to launch Activision-Blizzard’s games in Game Pass, which has reached a new milestone with more than 25 million subscribers. With Activision-Blizzard’s nearly 400 million monthly active players in 190 countries and three billion-dollar franchises, this acquisition will make Game Pass one of the most engaging and diverse gaming content lines in the industry. . Once the deal closes, Microsoft will have 30 in-house game development studios, plus additional esports publishing and production capabilities.” announced Phil Spencer.
As a reminder, from the beginning of January 2022, the Xbox Game Pass had already had another strong argument: the arrival of Ubisoft+ games in the catalog. The opportunity for subscribers to enjoy at a lower cost many games from the French publisher’s catalog, such as Rainbow Six Extraction, which will be available on the service from the day of its release.
Source: Xbox