Xbox leadership address Blizzard during post-deal visit

Xbox’s leadership team visited Blizzard’s headquarters in Irvine, California today for the first time since Microsoft completed its acquisition of the Diablo developer.

Activision‘s EVP for corporate affairs, Lulu Cheng Meservey shared some images of a welcoming event on Tuesday, which according to Windows Central was “a relatively low-key affair” in which Xbox boss Phil Spencer addressed assembled Blizzard employees.

According to WC’s sources, Spencer emphasized that he had “no answers” and that instead Xbox would be listening to the needs and desires of Blizzard staff.

“Spencer said that Microsoft is striving to be a source of trust for Blizzard, and wants to enable Blizzard to achieve its visions and dreams,” the publication says.

Microsoft’s leadership team, which also included studios boss Matt Booty and Sarah Bond, reportedly stated that they see Blizzard as the “Pixar” of the gaming industry.

It’s perhaps notable that, according to the same sources, virtually no Activision branding was present at the event (however, one image posted by Meservey below does show a prominent Activision logo).

Former Xbox CVP and current Blizzard President Mike Ybarra shared an image of a canvas featuring Blizzard and Xbox branding.

Activision had reportedly held increasing influence over Blizzard in recent years and pushed for cost cuts and a faster release schedule. Blizzard has had its own problems in recent years, including widespread allegations of toxic workplace conditions.

The Xbox maker finally completed its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard earlier this month.

In closing the game industry’s (and Microsoft’s) biggest ever deal, the Xbox maker took ownership of franchises including Call of Duty, Warcraft, Diablo, Guitar Hero, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Overwatch, Crash Bandicoot and many more.

“The amount of franchises that we now have in our portfolio is kind of inspiring, it’s daunting,” Phil Spencer told the official Xbox podcast. “I feel that we have to be a great custodian for the content that we touch. These are memories from people on different platforms, different decades.