Microsoft signs cloud gaming deal with Ubitus for Activision PC games

Microsoft announced its second cloud gaming deal for Activision Blizzard PC games this week. This time it’s a ten-year deal with Ubitus. With the cloud gaming deals, Microsoft hopes to convince regulators to approve its acquisition of Activision.

With the agreement may Ubitus streaming Xbox and Activision Blizzard PC games for ten years. This agreement is conditional on the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. With the acquisition, Ubitus says it has a library of more than a thousand titles, including games from other developers. Microsoft says it will give gamers more choice again.

Not much is clear yet about the acquisition, but because Ubitus is talking about its own library, it seems that the games will be available via its cloud gaming service GameNow. This service works through the browser and allows gamers to play games. Ubitus also offers white label services, so Kingdom Hearts games, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and The Forgotten City can be played on the Switch via Ubitus’ technology.

Microsoft president Brad Smith gave in an interview with The Wall Street Journal wanting to close more deals like this. Regulators such as the British CMA say that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is bad for the gaming industry, partly because it would reduce competition in the game streaming market. By concluding deals with several large and smaller parties, Microsoft hopes to allay these concerns. That’s why earlier this week it signed an agreement with Boosteroid to bring PC games to this service.

Microsoft and Ubitus@ubituskk, a leading cloud gaming provider, have signed a 10-year partnership to stream Xbox PC Games as well as Activision Blizzard titles after the acquisition closes. Our commitment is to give more players, more choice.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 15, 2023