Activision Blizzard's Diablo 4 to Debut on Xbox Game Pass in March
ICARO Media Group
In an exciting announcement, Xbox president Sarah Bond revealed that Blizzard Entertainment's highly anticipated game, Diablo 4, will be making its way to the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The news was shared during an episode of the Official Xbox Podcast.
Bond disclosed that Diablo 4 will be available on Game Pass starting from March 28, marking the arrival of the first new Activision Blizzard title on the platform. This signals a possibility of additional games from the Activision and Blizzard lineup coming to the service in the future.
This development comes after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October, a deal that shook the gaming industry with its staggering $68.7 billion price tag. With the acquisition, Microsoft gained ownership of renowned franchises like Call of Duty, Warcraft, Overwatch, and now, Diablo.
However, when the acquisition was initially announced, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer clarified that the day-one inclusion of the Activision Blizzard games catalog on Game Pass was not to be expected. Instead, Microsoft intends to roll out the games gradually, ensuring a continuous flow of fresh additions to the subscription service.
While some Game Pass subscribers may be disappointed by the slower rollout, Microsoft's strategy is in line with maintaining the service's appeal by offering a diverse range of titles each month. Additionally, Microsoft can tap into its extensive back catalog, which encompasses other Diablo games, annual Call of Duty releases, and classic titles playable through backward compatibility.
Originally released on various platforms, including PlayStation and Xbox consoles, as well as PC via Blizzard's Battle.net and later on Steam, Diablo 4 has captivated fans with its immersive gameplay. The game's first expansion, titled Vessel of Hatred, is anticipated to launch later this year, introducing a brand-new class to the Diablo universe. Blizzard plans to release annual expansions for Diablo 4, keeping the game fresh and engaging for players.
As the forthcoming debut of Diablo 4 on Xbox Game Pass approaches, gamers eagerly await the chance to dive into the dark, action-packed world of this highly acclaimed franchise. With the promise of more Activision Blizzard games on the horizon, Microsoft's commitment to enhancing the Game Pass experience continues to unfold, uniting gaming communities on an ever-expanding platform.