Microsoft signs 10-year deal with Ubitus to stream Xbox PC games and Activision titles

by Arthur · March 15, 2023

Microsoft has recently signed a 10-year agreement with Ubitus, a leading cloud gaming provider based in Taiwan, to bring Xbox PC games and Activision Blizzard titles to its cloud gaming service. The announcement comes amid Microsoft’s proposed $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which has been scrutinized by regulators concerned about the potential impact on competition in the gaming industry.

Ubitus has a track record of working with game publishers to bring their games, including Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Resident Evil 7, to various platforms through its cloud gaming service. The deal with Microsoft could expand the reach of Xbox PC games and Activision Blizzard titles to more platforms and regions, giving players more choice and accessibility.

The announcement of the agreement with Ubitus is strategic for Microsoft, as it seeks to address concerns from regulators about the potential effect of its acquisition of Activision Blizzard on competition in the gaming industry. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has expressed concern that the deal could potentially result in higher prices and less innovation for UK players.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer took to Twitter to congratulate Ubitus on the partnership, saying:Our commitment is to provide more players, more choices.” The announcement of the deal with Ubitus is strategic for Microsoft as it seeks to address concerns from regulators about the potential impact of its acquisition of Activision Blizzard on competition in the gaming industry. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has expressed concern that the deal could potentially result in higher prices and less innovation for UK players.

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

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 15, 2023

Microsoft’s recent deals with online cloud gaming providers, including Ubitus, could potentially provide more options and competition in the cloud gaming market, and address concerns from regulators. How the CMA and the European Commission will react to Microsoft’s proposed acquisition and recent partnership remains to be seen.

Overall, Microsoft’s investment in cloud gaming services and partnerships reflects the company’s strategy to expand its gaming offerings beyond traditional console and PC games and increase accessibility to more players. The agreement with Ubitus could further strengthen Microsoft’s position in the cloud gaming market and provide more opportunities for gamers to access Xbox PC games and Activision Blizzard titles through cloud gaming.