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Did Microsoft Own Call of Duty? The Definitive Answer

Yes, Microsoft now owns Call of Duty. This became official on October 13, 2023, when Microsoft completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the game’s publisher. This monumental deal, valued at around $69 billion, marks a turning point in the gaming industry and firmly places Call of Duty under the Microsoft umbrella.

The Road to Acquisition: A Saga of Regulatory Hurdles

The journey to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was far from smooth. Announced initially in January 2022, the deal faced intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. Concerns centered around potential monopolistic practices and the impact on competition within the gaming market.

Microsoft, facing skepticism from organizations like the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), had to navigate a complex landscape of legal challenges and regulatory investigations. The core worry was that Microsoft could leverage its control over Activision Blizzard’s vast library of intellectual property, including the immensely popular Call of Duty franchise, to unfairly favor its own Xbox ecosystem and potentially disadvantage rival platforms like Sony’s PlayStation.

To appease regulators, Microsoft made several concessions, including legally binding commitments to keep Call of Duty available on PlayStation platforms for at least ten years and to license the game to cloud gaming services. These concessions were crucial in finally securing the necessary approvals and paving the way for the acquisition to be finalized.

What This Means for Call of Duty and the Gaming Landscape

Microsoft’s ownership of Call of Duty has significant implications for the future of the franchise and the broader gaming industry. Here are some key takeaways:

Xbox Game Pass Boost: One of Microsoft’s primary motivations for acquiring Activision Blizzard was to bolster its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Adding titles like Call of Duty, Diablo, and Overwatch to Game Pass is expected to attract a significant influx of new subscribers and solidify the service’s position as a leading force in the gaming market.
Platform Exclusivity Potential (Limited): While Microsoft has committed to keeping Call of Duty on PlayStation for the foreseeable future, the long-term possibility of exclusivity for future titles remains a point of discussion. While unlikely in the near term due to binding agreements, Microsoft could theoretically choose to make future Call of Duty games exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem once those agreements expire.
Investment in Development: With the backing of Microsoft’s vast financial resources, Activision Blizzard is likely to receive significant investment in game development and new technologies. This could lead to higher-quality Call of Duty titles and innovations in gameplay, graphics, and online services.
Mobile Gaming Expansion: Activision Blizzard’s mobile gaming division, King Games (the maker of Candy Crush), is also under Microsoft’s control. This strengthens Microsoft’s position in the lucrative mobile gaming market and opens up opportunities for cross-platform integration and new mobile Call of Duty experiences.
Shift in Competitive Dynamics: The acquisition significantly alters the competitive landscape of the gaming industry. Microsoft now rivals Sony as a dominant force, controlling some of the most valuable gaming franchises in the world. This could lead to increased competition, innovation, and ultimately, better gaming experiences for consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Microsoft and Call of Duty

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the details of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and its impact on Call of Duty:

Is Call of Duty an Xbox exclusive now?

Not immediately. Microsoft has committed to keeping Call of Duty on PlayStation for several years. However, the long-term exclusivity potential remains uncertain after those agreements expire.

How much did Microsoft pay for Activision Blizzard?

Microsoft paid approximately $69 billion to acquire Activision Blizzard.

Will Call of Duty be on Xbox Game Pass?

Yes, Microsoft plans to add Call of Duty to Xbox Game Pass. This is a major driver behind the acquisition.

Will older Call of Duty games be added to Game Pass?

That remains to be seen. Microsoft hasn’t specified which Call of Duty titles will be added to Game Pass, but it’s likely that both new and select older titles will be included.

Will Call of Duty still be on PlayStation?

Yes, for the foreseeable future. Microsoft has signed agreements to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation platforms for a set period.

Does Microsoft own other Activision Blizzard franchises?

Yes, Microsoft now owns all Activision Blizzard franchises, including Diablo, Overwatch, World of Warcraft, Candy Crush, and many more.

Who was Activision Blizzard owned by before Microsoft?

Before Microsoft, Activision Blizzard was an independent publicly traded company. Prior to that, Vivendi held a significant stake in the company.

Why did Microsoft want to buy Activision Blizzard?

Microsoft aimed to strengthen its Xbox Game Pass service, expand its presence in mobile gaming, and acquire valuable gaming intellectual property to compete more effectively with Sony and other gaming giants.

What impact will this acquisition have on gamers?

The acquisition could lead to better quality Call of Duty games, increased investment in game development, and more games available on Xbox Game Pass. It also shifts the competitive landscape in the industry.

How did regulatory bodies react to the acquisition?

Regulatory bodies initially expressed concerns about potential monopolistic practices and the impact on competition. Microsoft had to make concessions to secure approvals.

Is Phil Spencer the CEO of Activision Blizzard now?

No. Phil Spencer is the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, which oversees Xbox Game Studios, ZeniMax Media, and now Activision Blizzard. Activision Blizzard will continue to operate somewhat independently under the Microsoft Gaming umbrella.

What are the studios now owned by Microsoft?

Now Microsoft owns Activision Publishing, Blizzard Entertainment, King, Infinity Ward, Treyarch, Sledgehammer Games, and more game developing studios.

What other companies does Microsoft own?

Microsoft has acquired over 225 companies, including LinkedIn, GitHub, Skype, and Minecraft developer Mojang Studios. Microsoft’s $2.5-billion purchase of “Minecraft” brought the wildly popular block-building and adventure game to new players across multiple platforms.

What happened with the CMA and Microsoft?

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) initially blocked the acquisition. However, after Microsoft made concessions regarding cloud gaming rights, the CMA approved the deal. The companies agreed to extend the close of the acquisition until October 18, 2023, as to resolve the CMA issue.

Where can I learn more about the impact of games on learning and education?

You can explore the Games Learning Society and their research at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to gain insights into how games can positively influence learning.

The Future of Gaming Under Microsoft’s Reign

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is a watershed moment for the gaming industry. While concerns about potential monopolistic practices are valid, the deal also presents opportunities for innovation, increased investment, and expanded access to gaming content through services like Xbox Game Pass.

Only time will tell how this acquisition will ultimately shape the future of gaming. However, one thing is certain: Microsoft’s ownership of Call of Duty has ushered in a new era of competition and possibilities in the ever-evolving world of interactive entertainment.

Did Microsoft own Call of Duty?