Microsoft pledges parity for Call of Duty after $69B Activision acquisition, but no surprises in store for Game Pass this year

Microsoft completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023 after facing regulatory challenges.
Xbox chief Phil Spencer says Activision Blizzard games won't be added to Game Pass until 2024 due to delays from the lengthy approval process.
Microsoft aims to be a good steward of Activision franchises and is open to revisiting dormant IPs if teams are passionate about them.
Spencer vows "100% parity" for Call of Duty across platforms like PlayStation, without exclusive content or timed exclusivity.
The massive deal expands Microsoft's gaming business into mobile via King's Candy Crush and brings juggernaut franchises like Call of Duty and Warcraft under Xbox.