Xbox today announced another 10-year deal, this time with Ukrainian cloud gaming platform Boosteroid, as Microsoft continues to try to build support for its $68.7 billion Activision Blizzard deal. .
Boosteroid’s four million users will soon be able to access Xbox PC games through their streaming subscription, with Activision Blizzard PC games also becoming available when (or rather, if) Microsoft’s takeover takes place.
It’s a very similar deal to Microsoft’s previously announced deal with Nvidia to bring its GeForce Now streaming service to Xbox PC gaming.
Newscast: Where will Microsoft close its deal with Activision Blizzard next?
Additionally, Microsoft also has a 10-year deal pending to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo’s platform(s) – again, if the takeover happens.
Today announcement adds an extra feather to Microsoft’s cap as it seeks to reassure regulators that paying $68.7 billion for Activision Blizzard wouldn’t result in more limited access to blockbusters such as Call of Duty.
“We believe in the power of games to bring people together. That’s why Xbox is committed to giving people more ways to play their favorite games, on all devices,” the Xbox boss said today. Phil Spencer. “Bringing Xbox PC games to Boosteroid members, including Activision Blizzard titles such as Call of Duty once the deal is complete, is yet another step in realizing that vision.”
The announcement also highlights a company based in kyiv and Kharkiv in Ukraine, cities that have been in the news in the past year following the Russian invasion. Two of its offices in Kharkiv were hit by Russian missile attacks.
“Boosteroid shares Microsoft’s vision of bringing games to as many people, places and platforms as possible,” said its boss Ivan Shvaichenko. “Our goal has long been to provide gamers the ability to enjoy their favorite titles on any device at their fingertips. Today’s announcement is another step in that direction. Additionally, Along with our Ukraine-based development team, we appreciate Microsoft’s continued commitment to Ukraine, and we will work together on an initiative supporting our local game development community to further invest in the country’s economic recovery.”
Microsoft has made a huge contribution to Ukraine since the Russian invasion, company chairman Brad Smith said.
“This partnership builds on the $430 million in technology and financial assistance we’ve provided to Ukraine since Russia’s illegal invasion, and it illustrates the steps we will continue to take to support the 160,000 Ukrainian software developers,” Smith said.
“This also builds on our recent agreements with Nintendo and Nvidia, making it even clearer to regulators that our acquisition of Activision Blizzard will make Call of Duty available on many more devices than ever before.”
Writing on Twitter today, games industry analyst Piers Harding-Rolls said Microsoft’s Boosteroid announcement was “comparable (in strategy) to the GeForce Now deal and not directly competing with Game Pass “, creating “synergies”.
Eurogamer was present in Brussels last month when Smith, fresh out of talks aimed at convincing EU regulators, held up a copy of the 10-year deal that Microsoft still hopes Sony will sign to grant PlayStation equal access at Call of Duty.
Since then, reports have suggested the EU’s European Commission will eventually look favorably on the deal – although issues remain with the US Federal Trade Commission and the UK Competition and Markets Authority.
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