When understanding Microsoft’s lineage in gaming, the company honed in its energy on simulation games well before Xbox and Halo becoming the franchise it is today. Back on Windows computers, franchises like Age of Empires and Microsoft Flight Simulator were prominent entries that defined that era at the time. And now in 2022, the firm still backs both properties to this day.
In celebration of the 40th Anniversary for Microsoft Flight Simulator, Microsoft & Asobo Studio shipped out a new edition of the game this month. Additionally, Age of Empires has some exciting news entering 2023. In that, the Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition & Age of Empires IV are both to release on console next year. Microsoft’s imbedded heritage for real-time strategy appears to carry over to its current events as well.
When discussing its work for the upcoming Age of Empire console projects, Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer expressed his interest towards Blizzard Entertainment’s Starcraft. Despite the deal still being processed, Spencer told he will not be directly overseeing the team. But, he is adamant to get an opportunity of the ground for the franchise nonetheless.
The first thing I would say is, I’m not allowed to make any decisions about what happens at Blizzard or Activision or King. So this is all just kind of talking and thinking about what the opportunity is, but you’re absolutely right. Not only StarCraft, but WarCraft, when you think about the heritage of RTS games that we’re talking about here, specifically from Blizzard.
And I don’t have any concrete plans today because I can’t really get in and work with the teams. But StarCraft was a seminal moment in gaming, right? From an esports perspective, from RTS on console perspective, and from just an RTS storytelling perspective in the genre.
“And I’m excited about getting to sit down with the teams at Activision and Blizzard and King to talk about back catalog and opportunities that we might have. So I will dodge the question other than to say it’s not something I can actively work on right now. But the thought of being able to think about what could happen with those franchises is pretty exciting to me, as somebody who spent a lot of hours playing those games.”
Previously, Spencer remarked on what he sees most valuable from the $70 billion acquisition. From that, he told the established PC & mobile gaming platforms is where he sees the most value from the entire buyout lies. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you excited to see what Microsoft could bring to other Blizzard Entertainment properties?
Source: Wired
