Yes, Microsoft Owns Call of Duty Now: A Deep Dive into the Acquisition and What It Means for Gamers

The short answer is a resounding yes. After a protracted saga involving regulatory hurdles and intense scrutiny, Microsoft officially finalized its acquisition of Activision Blizzard on October 13, 2023. This means that Call of Duty, along with other iconic franchises like World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch, are now under the Microsoft umbrella. The deal, valued at a staggering $68.7 billion, marks the largest acquisition in gaming history and signals a seismic shift in the industry’s landscape.

The Road to Acquisition: A Rocky But Ultimately Successful Journey

The path to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was anything but smooth. Announced in January 2022, the deal immediately attracted the attention of regulatory bodies worldwide, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Concerns revolved around potential anti-competitive practices, specifically the possibility that Microsoft could leverage its ownership of popular franchises to disadvantage rival platforms like Sony’s PlayStation.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) initially blocked the deal, citing concerns about the future of cloud gaming. However, Microsoft persisted, offering concessions and appealing the decision. Ultimately, the CMA approved the acquisition after Microsoft agreed to structural remedies designed to address their concerns.

This approval was the final major hurdle, paving the way for the deal to close and solidify Microsoft’s position as a gaming powerhouse. The acquisition represents a significant victory for Microsoft, allowing it to bolster its Xbox ecosystem, expand its reach in the mobile gaming market through Activision’s King division (makers of Candy Crush), and enhance its offerings in the burgeoning cloud gaming space.

The Impact on Gamers: What to Expect Moving Forward

The acquisition raises many questions about the future of Activision Blizzard games and the gaming landscape as a whole. While the long-term implications remain to be seen, here are some key areas to consider:

• Call of Duty on PlayStation: Microsoft has repeatedly stated its commitment to keeping Call of Duty available on PlayStation. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has even publicly affirmed a “binding agreement” with Sony to ensure the franchise remains multi-platform. However, the exact terms and duration of this agreement are not fully transparent, leaving some room for speculation about the future.

• Game Pass Integration: A major advantage for Microsoft is the potential to add Activision Blizzard titles to Xbox Game Pass, its popular subscription service. While initial reports suggested that new releases like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo 4 wouldn’t be added to Game Pass immediately, Microsoft plans to begin adding Activision Blizzard games to the service in 2024. This would provide tremendous value to Game Pass subscribers and attract even more players to the Xbox ecosystem.

• Cloud Gaming: The acquisition significantly strengthens Microsoft’s position in the cloud gaming market. With Activision Blizzard’s diverse portfolio of games, Microsoft can offer a wider range of titles through its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, accessible on various devices including PCs, mobile phones, and tablets.

• Future Game Development: Microsoft’s resources and expertise could potentially lead to new and innovative game development within Activision Blizzard. While it’s too early to predict specific projects, the acquisition could fuel the creation of new IPs, revitalized franchises, and enhanced gaming experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the details surrounding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and its implications for the gaming community:

1. How much did Microsoft pay for Activision Blizzard?

Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, making it the largest acquisition in gaming history.

2. When did Microsoft finalize the Activision Blizzard acquisition?

The acquisition was finalized on October 13, 2023.

3. Will Call of Duty still be available on PlayStation?

Yes, Microsoft has committed to keeping Call of Duty available on PlayStation. There’s a binding agreement between Microsoft and Sony to ensure this.

4. Will Activision Blizzard games be added to Xbox Game Pass?

Microsoft plans to begin adding Activision Blizzard games to Xbox Game Pass in 2024. While initial reports suggested delays for some titles, the goal is to integrate the portfolio into the subscription service.

5. What other games does Microsoft now own because of the acquisition?

Besides Call of Duty, Microsoft now owns franchises like World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Candy Crush, and many others.

6. Why did regulators initially object to the Microsoft Activision deal?

Regulators were concerned about potential anti-competitive practices, specifically that Microsoft could use its ownership of popular franchises to disadvantage rival platforms.

7. What concessions did Microsoft make to get the deal approved?

Microsoft offered concessions to regulators, including agreements to license Call of Duty to rival platforms and address concerns about cloud gaming competition.

8. Will the acquisition affect Activision Blizzard employees?

The impact on Activision Blizzard employees remains to be seen. However, Microsoft has stated its intention to retain talent and support the company’s existing studios. It will be very interesting to see if the corporate culture shifts to a more inclusive and supportive environment, something that has been publicly discussed in the past.

9. What happens to Activision Blizzard stock now that the acquisition is complete?

Activision Blizzard stockholders received $95 for each share of Activision they owned prior to the close of the acquisition.

10. Will the acquisition affect the development of future Activision Blizzard games?

Microsoft’s resources and expertise could potentially lead to new and innovative game development within Activision Blizzard.

11. How does this acquisition affect the gaming industry as a whole?

The acquisition signals a major consolidation in the gaming industry, with Microsoft emerging as a dominant player. It could lead to increased competition and innovation, but also raises concerns about potential market dominance.

12. Does Microsoft own King, the developer of Candy Crush?

Yes, the acquisition includes King, the developer of Candy Crush, giving Microsoft a significant presence in the mobile gaming market.

13. Will Activision Blizzard games become exclusive to Xbox platforms?

While Microsoft has committed to keeping Call of Duty on PlayStation, the future availability of other Activision Blizzard games on rival platforms is less clear. Microsoft may choose to make some titles exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem to drive adoption of its consoles and services.

14. What is the role of Phil Spencer in the integration of Activision Blizzard?

Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, is playing a key role in the integration of Activision Blizzard and shaping the future of the company’s gaming strategy.

15. Where can I learn more about the impact of games and gaming on learning and society?

You can learn more about the positive impact of games by visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource to see the positive impacts of gaming on the world.

The Future of Gaming: A Microsoft-Dominated Landscape?

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a landmark event that will reshape the gaming industry for years to come. While the exact implications remain to be seen, one thing is certain: Microsoft is now a force to be reckoned with. Its ownership of iconic franchises, coupled with its robust Xbox ecosystem and growing cloud gaming ambitions, positions it as a major player in the future of interactive entertainment. Whether this leads to positive innovation or potential market dominance is a question that only time will answer.