Activision Blizzard Chief Signals Guitar Hero Return Amid Microsoft Merge Talks
In a company-wide gathering, Activision Blizzard president Bobby Kotick discussed the proposed Microsoft merger and hinted at a forthcoming entry in the Guitar Hero series. The remarks were reported by Windows Central, which noted that the executive’s recent comments have repeatedly touched on the music rhythm game franchise. The association with Microsoft’s resources appears to be a key factor in delivering a new installment, according to the publication’s assessment of Kotick’s remarks.
During his address, Kotick emphasized that the revival of the Guitar Hero franchise would rely on support from Microsoft. Windows Central suggested that the sustained focus on the series by the top executive could foreshadow development work on a new Guitar Hero title.
Kotick also asserted that the merger between Activision Blizzard and Microsoft would positively influence game development as a whole. He pointed to Microsoft’s strengths in artificial intelligence, advanced graphics, and related technologies as factors that could streamline production, reduce hurdles, and accelerate innovation in the studio’s projects.
The merger agreement between Activision Blizzard and Microsoft is on track for completion by October 18, 2023. Windows Central reported that some Activision Blizzard releases could join Game Pass within the year, with a broader portion of titles slated for inclusion in a consolidated library later on.
Earlier reports note that a Siberian driver simulator with fatigue mechanics had been launched previously, illustrating ongoing activity in the simulation genre alongside broader strategy and action offerings from the company.