Will Call of Duty Be Microsoft Only? The Definitive Answer
No, Call of Duty will not be Microsoft only, at least not for the next 10 years. Despite Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a legally binding agreement is in place guaranteeing the continued presence of the Call of Duty franchise on PlayStation consoles. This means PlayStation gamers can breathe a sigh of relief, they won’t be missing out on their favorite first-person shooter anytime soon. Let’s delve into the details and explore the implications of this monumental deal.
The Acquisition: A Game Changer
Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been a seismic event in the gaming industry. It represents the largest deal of its kind, bringing iconic franchises like Call of Duty, Overwatch, Diablo, and Warcraft under the Microsoft umbrella. This acquisition significantly strengthens Microsoft’s position in the gaming market, particularly for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. However, the deal raised immediate concerns about the future of Activision Blizzard games, especially Call of Duty, on competing platforms like PlayStation.
The Binding Agreement: PlayStation Secured (For Now)
To alleviate those concerns, Microsoft made a crucial commitment: to maintain Call of Duty on PlayStation. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed a “binding agreement” with Sony to ensure the franchise remains available on PlayStation. This commitment extends for 10 years, providing a degree of certainty for PlayStation gamers. While 10 years may seem like a long time, the future beyond that remains uncertain, and it is not guaranteed that the game will continue on PlayStation consoles after the agreement is over.
Addressing Regulatory Concerns
The acquisition faced intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide, particularly in the UK and the US. These regulators feared that Microsoft could leverage its ownership of Activision Blizzard to create an unfair competitive advantage, potentially making Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox and severely harming PlayStation. To secure regulatory approval, Microsoft offered concessions, including the aforementioned agreement with Sony. This demonstrates the significant power regulators have in large mergers such as this. These regulators will often place stipulations or other restrictions on an organization to maintain a fair market.
What Does This Mean for PlayStation Players?
For PlayStation players, this agreement ensures that they can continue to enjoy new Call of Duty titles on their consoles. However, there’s a catch: Microsoft now owns Call of Duty, which means that in-game purchases on PlayStation directly benefit a rival company. This creates an interesting dynamic where Sony profits are helping fund a company that owns their competitor console. There may also be some content that is specific to Xbox, such as earlier access to maps or unique player skins.
The Future of Call of Duty
While the immediate future of Call of Duty on PlayStation is secure, the long-term outlook remains less clear. The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and 10 years is an eternity in technology. Microsoft’s strategy for Call of Duty will likely evolve alongside the industry. It’s possible that after the 10-year agreement expires, Microsoft may re-evaluate its position and decide to make Call of Duty an Xbox exclusive. Alternatively, it could continue to support PlayStation, especially if Call of Duty remains highly profitable on the platform.
Xbox’s Gain
This acquisition gives Microsoft a major boost, expanding its portfolio of valuable intellectual properties and strengthening its Xbox ecosystem. The addition of Call of Duty, Diablo, Overwatch, and Warcraft to Xbox Game Pass could attract millions of new subscribers. Microsoft can also leverage Activision Blizzard’s expertise in game development to create new and innovative gaming experiences.
Exploring Game-Based Learning with Games Learning Society
The acquisition’s impact extends beyond entertainment. The Games Learning Society, or GamesLearningSociety.org, explores how games like Call of Duty can be leveraged for educational purposes. From teamwork and strategic thinking to problem-solving and decision-making, games offer valuable learning opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Call of Duty and Microsoft
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the details surrounding Call of Duty and Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard:
1. Is Call of Duty now owned by Microsoft?
Yes, Microsoft officially owns Call of Duty after completing its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
2. Will Activision games still be on PlayStation?
Yes, Microsoft has a deal with Sony to keep Activision Blizzard’s game franchise Call of Duty on PlayStation for at least the next 10 years.
3. What will happen if Microsoft buys Activision?
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard gives them access to valuable intellectual properties like Call of Duty, Overwatch, Diablo, and Warcraft, as well as talented development studios such as Treyarch and Infinity Ward.
4. Is Microsoft taking Call of Duty off of PlayStation?
No, Microsoft will keep Call of Duty on Sony PlayStation after acquiring Activision Blizzard, as per the agreement.
5. How long will Call of Duty remain on PlayStation?
According to Microsoft spokesperson Kari Perez, the deal with Sony will last for 10 years.
6. What will Activision shareholders get?
Activision shareholders received $95.00 in exchange for each ATVI share held at the close of trading on October 12, 2023.
7. Will Call of Duty be Xbox exclusive?
The head of Xbox has confirmed they won’t gate future Call of Duty content behind their consoles, promising parity between all platforms. The game will appear on more than just Xbox.
8. Did the government stop Microsoft from buying Activision?
No, regulators ultimately approved the deal after Microsoft made concessions to ensure rivals would have continued access to Activision games.
9. Why didn’t Sony buy Activision?
Sony’s market capitalization is not large enough to support the purchase of Activision. Activision is more than half the value of the entire company.
10. What does Microsoft deal mean for PlayStation?
In-game purchases within Call of Duty on PlayStation will now directly support a rival company, creating an interesting shift in the industry.
11. Why is Microsoft buying Call of Duty?
Acquiring the studios behind blockbuster games like Call of Duty, Diablo, and Overwatch will boost Microsoft’s Xbox gaming console.
12. What is Microsoft going to do with Call of Duty?
Microsoft will continue to release Call of Duty titles and integrate the franchise into its Xbox Game Pass subscription service.
13. How much will Microsoft pay for Activision per share?
Microsoft agreed to buy Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, or $95 per share.
14. Is Xbox removing cod from PlayStation?
No, Xbox is not removing Call of Duty from PlayStation due to the binding agreement signed with Sony.
15. Will Call of Duty stop releasing every year?
Call Of Duty is moving away from its traditional annual release schedule. Instead of yearly releases, the development team will focus on providing meaningful updates and expansions for existing titles.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is a landmark event with far-reaching implications for the gaming industry. While the future of Call of Duty beyond the next 10 years remains uncertain, PlayStation gamers can rest assured that they will continue to enjoy the franchise on their consoles for the foreseeable future. This is due to the legally binding agreement between Microsoft and Sony. The gaming landscape is ever-changing, and only time will tell how this acquisition will ultimately shape the future of Call of Duty and the broader gaming ecosystem.