Transformers Gaming Revolution: Hasbro Sets Sights on Xbox Game Pass Classics!

Highlights

Hasbro expressed interest in bringing back classic Transformers games on services like PC Game Pass, recognizing the potential for its earlier titles to make a comeback.

Activision's licensing deal expiration resulted in the removal of Transformers games from online stores. However, Hasbro is hopeful that Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard could alter this situation.

While the availability of the delisted games remains uncertain, Hasbro's keenness to revive previous Transformers titles is a positive indication for gamers. This also raises the possibility of a high-quality video game treatment in the future.

Hasbro has expressed a desire to bring some of its Transformers games, published by Activision, to a platform like PC Game Pass. The popularity of the franchise has grown significantly, largely due to the numerous movies released. With the recent release of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts in theaters, interest in the Transformers series has sparked questions about the potential reemergence of classic games.

While Transformers: Rise of the Beasts may not have achieved widespread success, the enthusiasm surrounding the franchise shows no signs of diminishing. Hasbro itself has expressed interest in expanding the series further. It is worth noting that Transformers has a long history in gaming, with titles dating back to 1985. However, only a few of these games have achieved the same level of success as other popular intellectual properties. Nonetheless, Hasbro believes that some of its earlier games have the potential to make a compelling comeback on modern platforms.

Back in 2017, Activision's licensing agreement for Transformers expired, leading to games like Transformers: Devastation and Transformers: War for Cybertron being removed from all digital stores. Hasbro expressed their anticipation to see these delisted Transformers games return to storefronts, specifically mentioning Game Pass as a potential platform. During the Hasbro team's presentation at San Diego Comic-Con 2023, they stated that adding these games to Game Pass would be a simple and welcomed move, emphasizing their desire to make these games available once again for players to enjoy.

However, Hasbro has stated that it may not currently be possible to locate the games in Activision's building due to the complexities of company acquisitions. This has been a source of frustration for Hasbro. However, with Microsoft's impending acquisition of Activision Blizzard, there is hope that this situation may change. While it's uncertain if the delisted game will return to Game Pass as a result of the deal, Hasbro may be more motivated to bring the games to its service given the popularity of the franchise.

Interestingly, there are already a few upcoming titles related to Transformers, such as Transformers: EarthSpark - Expedition from Tessera Studios and Transformers: Reactivate from Splash Damage. The franchise has also received recognition in Fortnite with the introduction of an Optimus Prime skin in the game's Chapter 4 Season 3 Battle Pass. Time will tell if the Transformers franchise will receive the same high-quality treatment as other popular franchises like Star Wars. However, the fact that Hasbro is actively interested in revitalizing its earlier Transformers titles is promising for gamers.

Source: Transformers World 2005