Did Microsoft Own Call of Duty?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. In January 2022, Microsoft announced its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard, the parent company of Call of Duty, in a deal worth a staggering $68.7 billion. The acquisition was completed in November 2022, making Microsoft the new owner of the popular first-person shooter franchise.
Why Did Microsoft Buy Activision Blizzard?
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was a strategic move to expand its gaming portfolio and gain access to the company’s lucrative intellectual properties (IPs). Activision Blizzard is home to some of the most popular gaming franchises in the world, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo. By acquiring the company, Microsoft gained control of these IPs and the studios that develop them, including Treyarch and Infinity Ward, the developers of Call of Duty.
What Does This Mean for Call of Duty?
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has significant implications for the Call of Duty franchise. Call of Duty is now a Microsoft-owned franchise, and the company has stated its intention to continue developing and publishing new Call of Duty games. Microsoft has also announced plans to bring Call of Duty to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, which offers access to a library of games for a flat monthly fee.
Benefits of the Acquisition
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is expected to bring several benefits to the Call of Duty franchise. Improved game development and publishing: With Microsoft’s resources and expertise, Activision Blizzard’s studios are expected to produce higher-quality games with more frequent updates and expansions. Increased accessibility: By bringing Call of Duty to Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft is making the franchise more accessible to a wider audience, including those who may not have previously had access to the games.
Challenges Ahead
While the acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is expected to bring many benefits to the Call of Duty franchise, there are also some challenges ahead. Competition from other platforms: Call of Duty is a highly competitive franchise, and Microsoft will need to navigate the challenges of competing with other platforms, including PlayStation and PC. Balancing creative freedom and commercial pressure: Activision Blizzard’s studios will need to balance their creative freedom with the commercial pressure to produce games that meet Microsoft’s expectations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft did indeed own Call of Duty, and the acquisition of Activision Blizzard has significant implications for the franchise. While there are challenges ahead, the acquisition is expected to bring many benefits to the franchise, including improved game development and publishing, increased accessibility, and a wider audience.