Who Bought Call of Duty? The Definitive Answer and FAQs

The simple answer is: Microsoft bought Call of Duty. This happened through Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company that developed and published the Call of Duty franchise. This monumental deal, valued at approximately $69 billion, marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape and places one of the industry’s most valuable IPs under Microsoft’s umbrella. The acquisition faced considerable scrutiny from regulators worldwide but ultimately received the necessary approvals, solidifying Microsoft’s position as a major player in the gaming market.

Understanding the Acquisition

The Deal: A Breakdown

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft encompasses not only the Call of Duty franchise but also other prominent gaming titles such as Overwatch, Diablo, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush Saga. The sheer scale of this deal underscores Microsoft’s strategic ambition to expand its reach in the gaming sector, particularly in mobile gaming and subscription-based services like Xbox Game Pass. The move allows Microsoft to leverage Activision Blizzard’s vast portfolio of intellectual property and talented development teams.

Why Microsoft Wanted Call of Duty

Call of Duty is a gaming juggernaut, consistently topping sales charts year after year. Its massive popularity and established fanbase make it an incredibly valuable asset. Beyond the financial gains, acquiring Activision Blizzard gives Microsoft a stronger foothold in the competitive gaming market, especially against rivals like Sony and their PlayStation platform. Furthermore, the mobile gaming aspect, primarily through Activision Blizzard’s King subsidiary (maker of Candy Crush), opens up new revenue streams for Microsoft.

The Regulatory Hurdles

The acquisition process wasn’t without its challenges. Regulators in various countries scrutinized the deal, raising concerns about potential anti-competitive practices. The primary concern revolved around whether Microsoft would leverage its ownership of Call of Duty to disadvantage other platforms, particularly Sony’s PlayStation. After lengthy investigations and negotiations, regulatory bodies ultimately approved the deal with some concessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on this game-changing acquisition:

1. Is Microsoft going to make Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox?

   No, Call of Duty will not become an Xbox exclusive in the immediate future. Microsoft has committed to keeping Call of Duty available on PlayStation for at least the next 10 years, honoring existing agreements and acknowledging the significant player base on Sony’s platform.

2. How much did Microsoft pay for Activision Blizzard?

   Microsoft paid approximately $69 billion in cash to acquire Activision Blizzard. This makes it the largest acquisition in the history of the gaming industry.

3. What other games does Microsoft now own besides Call of Duty?

   Besides Call of Duty, Microsoft now owns a vast library of titles from Activision Blizzard, including World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, StarCraft, and mobile games like Candy Crush Saga.

4. Will PlayStation still get new Call of Duty games?

   Yes, PlayStation will continue to receive new Call of Duty games. Microsoft and Sony have a binding agreement in place ensuring the availability of Call of Duty on PlayStation for the next 10 years.

5. Why did Microsoft buy Activision Blizzard?

   Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard to expand its presence in the gaming market, gain access to valuable intellectual property like Call of Duty, bolster its Xbox Game Pass service, and tap into the lucrative mobile gaming sector.

6. What will happen to Activision Blizzard’s employees?

   While some restructuring is expected, the acquisition is largely intended to integrate Activision Blizzard’s talented development teams and leverage their expertise within Microsoft Gaming. The impact on specific roles will vary.

7. Will the price of Call of Duty games change?

   It’s difficult to say definitively. Microsoft may explore different pricing strategies, potentially bundling Call of Duty with Xbox Game Pass, which could effectively lower the individual cost for subscribers.

8. Will Call of Duty be on Xbox Game Pass?

   Yes, Call of Duty is expected to eventually be available on Xbox Game Pass. This inclusion will likely be phased in over time, adding value to the subscription service and potentially attracting new subscribers.

9. What does this mean for the future of gaming?

   This acquisition signals a trend towards industry consolidation, with larger companies acquiring established game developers. It also emphasizes the growing importance of subscription services and mobile gaming. This could lead to more exclusive content, innovative gaming experiences, and new distribution models. Exploring these new opportunities can also extend into the academic realm as is shown by the work of the Games Learning Society to bring gaming ideas into learning situations through innovative education. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

10. Why didn’t Sony buy Activision Blizzard?

    The sheer cost of acquiring Activision Blizzard was a significant barrier for Sony. Sony’s market capitalization is significantly smaller than the acquisition price, making such a deal financially impractical.

11. Will Call of Duty be better on Xbox now?

    Microsoft has stated that their intention is not to make Call of Duty better on Xbox than on PlayStation. However, players may experience integration with Xbox ecosystems like achievements, cloud saves, and cross-platform play, and future console optimizations.

12. Is Blizzard owned by Microsoft now?

    Yes, Blizzard Entertainment, the developer of games like World of Warcraft and Diablo, is now a subsidiary of Microsoft, operating under the Microsoft Gaming division.

13. What does this mean for other Activision Blizzard games like Overwatch and Diablo?

    Similar to Call of Duty, Overwatch and Diablo will benefit from Microsoft’s resources and expertise. This could lead to enhanced development, expanded content, and integration with Xbox Game Pass.

14. Will Activision Blizzard’s culture change under Microsoft’s ownership?

    Microsoft has publicly stated its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. However, significant changes are likely as Activision Blizzard integrates into the Microsoft ecosystem.

15. How long did it take for the deal to be approved?

    The acquisition process took nearly two years, facing scrutiny from regulators worldwide. The original July deadline was extended, and the deal finally closed in October.

The Impact on the Gaming Industry

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a watershed moment for the gaming industry. It consolidates significant power and resources under one roof, potentially reshaping competition and influencing the direction of game development and distribution. While uncertainties remain, the acquisition promises to bring new opportunities and challenges, ultimately impacting gamers and industry professionals alike. Only time will tell exactly how this will change the industry’s trajectory, but it’s clear that the game has changed.