Does Xbox Own Call of Duty? The Definitive Answer and FAQs
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, Xbox, which is a gaming brand owned by Microsoft, now owns Call of Duty. This ownership is a result of Microsoft’s monumental $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which was finalized on October 13, 2023. This acquisition brought a vast catalog of beloved franchises under the Xbox umbrella, with Call of Duty being one of the most significant. However, the ownership and its implications are more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Let’s delve deeper into what this means and answer some frequently asked questions.
Understanding the Acquisition
Microsoft’s Strategic Move
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was not just about acquiring a single game; it was about acquiring a gaming powerhouse. Activision Blizzard brings with it a treasure trove of intellectual properties (IPs) including, most notably, the Call of Duty franchise, as well as Diablo, Overwatch, Warcraft, and even mobile giants like Candy Crush (through King Games). This strategic move drastically expands the Xbox ecosystem and establishes Microsoft as a major player in the gaming industry, particularly in the mobile sector.
What Changed After the Acquisition?
Following the acquisition, Microsoft now owns the publishing rights to Call of Duty and all associated IPs that belonged to Activision Blizzard. This means that Microsoft now controls the future of these franchises. However, despite this change in ownership, Microsoft has made it clear that it’s not about making these games exclusive to Xbox. Instead, they aim to increase revenue by maximizing player access across various platforms, including PlayStation.
The Future of Call of Duty
Multiplatform Access
Contrary to popular misconception that the deal was aimed at securing exclusives, Microsoft has made a binding agreement with Sony to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation. This ensures that PlayStation users can still enjoy the franchise without interruption. The primary objective behind the acquisition was to enhance revenue for Xbox by expanding reach across multiple gaming platforms.
Revenue and Cross-Platform Play
Call of Duty is a massive revenue driver for any platform it is available on. The popularity and profitability of this franchise are so significant that Microsoft aims to leverage it to its fullest potential across all platforms. Moreover, as of now, cross-platform play is expected to continue in upcoming titles. This strategy aligns with Xbox’s push towards creating a broader gaming ecosystem, rather than building walled gardens.
Development and the Future
Who Makes Call of Duty?
Even under Microsoft’s ownership, the development of Call of Duty remains a collaborative effort between several studios. The primary developers include:
- Infinity Ward: Known for the Modern Warfare series.
- Treyarch: Known for the Black Ops series.
- Sledgehammer Games: A key contributor to various titles within the franchise.
These studios operate on a rotational basis, enabling a consistent annual release of new titles.
What About Call of Duty Mobile?
Call of Duty Mobile, unlike the console and PC versions, is developed and owned by TiMi Studios, a subsidiary of Tencent. Therefore, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard does not give them ownership over Call of Duty Mobile. However, it is worth noting that Activision remains the publisher, thus Microsoft has a relationship with Tencent over this game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Xbox really buy Activision?
Yes, Microsoft completed the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard on October 13, 2023. This deal was one of the largest in gaming history and faced considerable regulatory hurdles before its approval.
2. Is Call of Duty now an Xbox exclusive?
No, Call of Duty is not an Xbox exclusive. Microsoft has a deal with Sony to ensure that the franchise remains available on PlayStation consoles. Microsoft wants to continue earning revenue from the title on all available platforms.
3. Who owns the rights to Call of Duty?
Microsoft now owns the publishing rights to Call of Duty after acquiring Activision Blizzard. They oversee the direction of the franchise and all associated intellectual property.
4. Will Activision become Xbox exclusive?
No, the goal of the Activision Blizzard deal is not about securing exclusives but rather about expanding revenue by making its games accessible on as many platforms as possible. This includes titles like Call of Duty and Diablo.
5. What other game franchises did Xbox acquire?
Aside from Call of Duty, Microsoft now owns franchises like Overwatch, Diablo, Warcraft, Starcraft, Guitar Hero, Crash Bandicoot, and Spyro which were all part of the Activision Blizzard portfolio.
6. What does Xbox own now with Activision’s purchase?
Xbox now officially owns Activision Blizzard, including its studios and all its associated franchises mentioned earlier. This vast acquisition significantly boosts Xbox’s gaming library and development capacity.
7. How much did Xbox spend on Activision?
Microsoft spent $69 billion to acquire Activision Blizzard, marking it as a significant investment in the gaming sector.
8. Why did Xbox buy Activision?
The acquisition was driven by multiple factors including, expanding the Xbox ecosystem, gaining access to mobile games (like Candy Crush), and enhancing its position in the wider gaming market. The purchase also increased its vast IP library.
9. Is Call of Duty Mobile owned by Microsoft?
No, Call of Duty: Mobile is owned and developed by TiMi Studios, a subsidiary of Tencent. Microsoft’s acquisition does not directly involve this game, however, Microsoft, through Activision, still publishes this game.
10. Which two companies primarily develop Call of Duty?
The two main studios that alternate development of Call of Duty titles each year are Infinity Ward and Treyarch. These studios have been the backbone of the franchise.
11. What is the best-selling Call of Duty game of all time?
Call of Duty: Black Ops is the best-selling title in the Call of Duty franchise. It was released in 2010 and remains a benchmark for the series’ success.
12. What happens to Activision Blizzard employees?
Following the acquisition, Activision Blizzard employees, including the CEO Bobby Kotick (who is staying on until the end of 2023) have now joined the Microsoft Gaming team. The full long-term integration is still underway.
13. Has Microsoft bought Activision forever?
The acquisition is final, meaning Microsoft now owns Activision Blizzard, its studios, and its IPs, including Call of Duty, for the foreseeable future.
14. Why is Call of Duty made by multiple studios?
Having multiple studios developing different Call of Duty games each year ensures that there is a new release every year. This development approach is essential given the long development cycles for AAA games.
15. What can we expect from this acquisition?
Expect to see more Activision Blizzard titles on Xbox Game Pass and other cloud gaming services. The acquisition is also expected to lead to an increase of cross platform titles. It’s also expected that this acquisition will have a lasting and dramatic impact on the wider gaming industry.
Conclusion
In summary, Microsoft, through Xbox, does indeed own Call of Duty, along with a host of other prominent game franchises. This landmark acquisition marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape, however, while Xbox owns the franchise, Microsoft’s strategic approach ensures that fans can still enjoy Call of Duty on multiple platforms, including PlayStation. This demonstrates a commitment to broader access and revenue generation, not exclusivity, with the focus being on the player, not necessarily the platform they are on. The future of the Call of Duty franchise under Xbox’s ownership will continue to evolve.