Does Ubisoft Own Activision? Unraveling the Gaming Industry’s Complex Web
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The short answer is no, Ubisoft does not own Activision. While the two are major players in the video game industry, they are distinct entities with separate ownership structures. This misconception often arises from the complex interactions, partnerships, and acquisitions that characterize the gaming world, particularly in recent years with the colossal acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft. This article will clarify the relationship between Ubisoft and Activision, and delve into the ownership structures and recent industry events that have led to frequent questions. We’ll also cover some related FAQs, shedding light on the intricate web of ownership and partnerships within the gaming industry.
A Clear Distinction: Ubisoft and Activision
It’s essential to understand that Ubisoft and Activision are two independent companies with distinct identities. While they might occasionally partner on specific projects or utilize each other’s technology, this does not translate into ownership.
- Ubisoft is a French video game company known for creating and publishing its own franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s series. It was founded by five brothers in 1986 and remains largely family-controlled through the Guillemot family, though they share some voting rights with Tencent.
- Activision, on the other hand, is an American video game publisher most renowned for its Call of Duty series. In 2008, Activision merged with Blizzard Entertainment, forming Activision Blizzard, which was subsequently acquired by Microsoft in 2023. This means that Activision is currently owned by Microsoft.
The key takeaway is that Ubisoft operates as an independent company, while Activision is now part of Microsoft’s gaming portfolio. There is no ownership connection between Ubisoft and Activision.
The Microsoft Acquisition: Reshaping the Industry
The massive acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft in 2023 fundamentally changed the gaming landscape. This merger brought beloved franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch under the Microsoft umbrella. This deal, valued at approximately $69 billion, was a major shift in the industry, consolidating power under Microsoft’s Xbox brand.
Cloud Gaming Rights
One of the key elements of the Microsoft acquisition, to satisfy government regulators, was the agreement to grant Ubisoft the rights for cloud gaming of Activision Blizzard titles. This deal means that although Microsoft owns Activision, Ubisoft now holds the rights to stream Activision Blizzard games through its cloud gaming platform. It does not signify ownership but instead serves as a licensing agreement between the two separate companies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about the relationship between Ubisoft, Activision, and the wider gaming industry:
1. Who owns Activision now?
Microsoft owns Activision Blizzard since its acquisition deal closed in October 2023. Activision is now part of Microsoft Gaming, alongside Xbox.
2. Is Call of Duty made by Ubisoft?
No, Call of Duty is not made by Ubisoft. The Call of Duty series is developed by various studios, primarily under the Activision Publishing banner, and is now owned by Microsoft.
3. Is Ubisoft bigger than Activision?
It’s hard to define “bigger.” Activision’s market cap is currently higher at $74.02B, though Ubisoft’s brand is ranked higher at #80 on a global brands list compared to Activision’s #157.
4. Who did Activision merge with to create Activision Blizzard?
Activision merged with Blizzard Entertainment in 2008 to create Activision Blizzard. This merger brought together two significant forces in the gaming industry.
5. Who bought Activision in 2023?
Microsoft finalized its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023.
6. Did Activision sell Call of Duty to someone?
No, Activision did not sell Call of Duty. Microsoft now owns Activision and, therefore, Call of Duty. However, Microsoft has reached an agreement with Sony to keep Call of Duty available on PlayStation consoles.
7. Who owns Ubisoft?
The Guillemot family and Tencent collectively own roughly 20% of Ubisoft shares, with the family holding more than 20% of the voting rights, and Tencent holding roughly 4%.
8. What is Activision called now under Microsoft?
Activision is not called anything different, it remains under its same name but as part of the Microsoft Gaming division.
9. Does EA own any part of Ubisoft?
No, EA does not currently own any part of Ubisoft. In the past, EA had a stake in Ubisoft, which they fully divested from in 2010.
10. What games does Ubisoft own?
Ubisoft owns numerous well-known franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Just Dance, Prince of Persia, Tom Clancy’s series, Watch Dogs, and Rayman.
11. Is Assassin’s Creed owned by Ubisoft?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed is developed and published by Ubisoft.
12. Is God of War made by Ubisoft?
No, God of War is developed by Santa Monica Studio, which is owned by Sony.
13. Did Blizzard buy Activision?
No, Blizzard did not buy Activision. Instead, Activision merged with Blizzard to form Activision Blizzard in 2008.
14. Does Activision own every Call of Duty game?
Yes, Activision Publishing owns and publishes the Call of Duty series.
15. What does the Ubisoft cloud gaming deal with Activision Blizzard mean?
The agreement means that Ubisoft has the exclusive rights to stream Activision Blizzard games through cloud gaming platforms. This is a licensing deal, and does not imply ownership of Activision or its titles. It’s a way for Ubisoft to provide Activision’s titles to its cloud gaming subscribers while Microsoft still retains ownership.
Conclusion
In summary, Ubisoft does not own Activision. They are separate entities within the gaming industry with distinct ownership structures and operational strategies. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has significantly reshaped the industry landscape, bringing major franchises under Microsoft’s umbrella while granting cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to navigating the complex world of video game ownership and partnerships. The gaming landscape is continually evolving, and keeping abreast of these changes ensures a clearer picture of how our favorite games are developed, published, and distributed.