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Is Call of Duty Owned by EA? The Truth Behind the Gaming Giant

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No, Call of Duty is not owned by Electronic Arts (EA). Call of Duty is owned by Activision Blizzard, which, as of October 13, 2023, is now a subsidiary of Microsoft. This acquisition has reshaped the gaming landscape, placing one of the biggest franchises under the umbrella of another tech behemoth. Let’s delve into the history, current ownership, and potential future implications of this significant development.

The Call of Duty Empire: A Brief History

Call of Duty burst onto the scene in 2003, developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision. Initially focused on World War II, the franchise quickly gained popularity for its realistic depictions of combat and engaging gameplay. Over the years, the series evolved, exploring modern warfare, futuristic conflicts, and even returning to its historical roots.

Several studios have contributed to the Call of Duty franchise, including Treyarch (known for the Black Ops series), Sledgehammer Games, and of course, Infinity Ward. Each studio brings its unique style and perspective, contributing to the diverse range of experiences within the Call of Duty universe.

Activision Blizzard: The Pre-Microsoft Era

Before being acquired by Microsoft, Activision Blizzard was a publicly traded company and one of the largest video game publishers in the world. In addition to Call of Duty, their portfolio included iconic franchises like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and Candy Crush. Activision Blizzard had a massive global presence and a significant impact on the gaming industry.

However, the company also faced its share of controversies, including allegations of workplace misconduct and discrimination. These issues played a role in the eventual decision to be acquired.

Microsoft’s Acquisition: A Game Changer

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is one of the largest deals in gaming history. The deal, valued at $68.7 billion, was subject to intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies around the world due to concerns about antitrust issues and market dominance. Ultimately, Microsoft successfully navigated these challenges, and the acquisition was finalized in October 2023.

What Does This Mean for Call of Duty?

Microsoft’s ownership of Call of Duty has several implications:

Game Pass Integration: Call of Duty games are likely to be included in Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service. This will provide millions of subscribers access to the latest installments and potentially older titles in the franchise.
Platform Exclusivity (Maybe Not): While initially there were concerns about Call of Duty becoming exclusive to Xbox, Microsoft has stated its commitment to releasing future Call of Duty titles on PlayStation. However, this doesn’t preclude the possibility of exclusive content or features for Xbox platforms.
Investment and Innovation: Microsoft’s deep pockets and technological expertise could lead to significant investment in the Call of Duty franchise, potentially resulting in innovative gameplay mechanics, improved graphics, and expanded content offerings.
The Metaverse and Cloud Gaming: Microsoft’s ambitions extend beyond traditional gaming. Call of Duty could play a key role in the company’s metaverse and cloud gaming initiatives, potentially allowing players to access the game on a wider range of devices.
Impact on Esports: Call of Duty has a thriving esports scene. Microsoft’s acquisition could further boost the professional league, investing in infrastructure and expanding the reach of competitive Call of Duty.

EA’s Role in the Gaming Landscape

While EA doesn’t own Call of Duty, it remains a major player in the video game industry. EA is the publisher of blockbuster franchises like FIFA (now EA Sports FC), Madden NFL, Battlefield, The Sims, and Apex Legends. The company has a long history of developing and publishing successful games across various platforms.

EA and Activision have been rivals for many years, competing for market share and player attention. While EA may have wished to acquire Call of Duty at some point, the franchise ultimately ended up in Microsoft’s hands.

Call of Duty’s Future: Under the Microsoft Banner

The future of Call of Duty under Microsoft’s ownership is full of possibilities. The franchise is expected to continue to be a major force in the gaming industry, with new installments, innovative features, and a growing esports scene. The inclusion of Call of Duty in Game Pass could significantly expand its reach and introduce the game to a wider audience.

The Microsoft acquisition marks a new chapter for Call of Duty, one that is likely to be defined by innovation, expansion, and integration with Microsoft’s broader ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Call of Duty ownership and related topics:

Who currently owns Call of Duty? Call of Duty is currently owned by Microsoft, following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023.
Did EA ever own Call of Duty? No, EA has never owned Call of Duty. The franchise has always been under the control of Activision (later Activision Blizzard) and now Microsoft.
What studios develop Call of Duty games? Key studios include Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games.
What is Activision Blizzard’s role now that Microsoft owns it? Activision Blizzard operates as a subsidiary of Microsoft, maintaining its structure but under Microsoft’s overall direction.
Will Call of Duty become an Xbox exclusive? While initially uncertain, Microsoft has committed to releasing Call of Duty on PlayStation, though exclusive content or features for Xbox platforms are possible.
Will Call of Duty be available on Game Pass? It is highly likely that Call of Duty games will be included in Xbox Game Pass.
How much did Microsoft pay for Activision Blizzard? Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard for approximately $68.7 billion.
What are the potential benefits of Microsoft owning Call of Duty? Potential benefits include increased investment, innovation, and integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem, such as cloud gaming and the metaverse.
How will Microsoft’s ownership affect the Call of Duty esports scene? Microsoft’s acquisition could further boost the professional Call of Duty league, with increased investment and reach.
What other major game franchises does Microsoft own now? Besides Call of Duty, Microsoft owns franchises like Halo, Minecraft, Forza, and Gears of War, among many others.
What are some of EA’s biggest game franchises? EA’s major franchises include FIFA (now EA Sports FC), Madden NFL, Battlefield, The Sims, and Apex Legends.
How has the gaming landscape changed with Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard? The acquisition has consolidated significant power in Microsoft’s hands, potentially leading to increased competition and innovation, but also concerns about market dominance.
Will older Call of Duty games be remastered or remade? It is possible that Microsoft will invest in remastering or remaking older Call of Duty titles, but no official announcements have been made.
How does the Games Learning Society view the impact of such acquisitions on the gaming industry? The Games Learning Society is interested in how these sorts of industry changes might affect how games can be used in learning and education. More resources on the educational use of games can be found on their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/
What can players expect from future Call of Duty games under Microsoft’s ownership? Players can expect new installments, innovative features, and a growing esports scene. The inclusion of Call of Duty in Game Pass could significantly expand its reach. Ultimately Microsoft will have more control over the game’s direction.

The world of gaming is always changing. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is evidence of this change. It remains to be seen how this change impacts the entire landscape of video games.