Who all owns Call of Duty?

Who All Owns Call of Duty?

The Call of Duty franchise has been a significant player in the gaming industry for decades, with multiple titles released annually. But have you ever wondered who actually owns Call of Duty? In this article, we’ll dive into the answer and explore the complex relationships between the companies involved in the franchise.

Initial Ownership: Activision and Infinity Ward

The original Call of Duty game was developed by Infinity Ward, a subsidiary of Activision, a renowned video game publisher. Activision publishing, Inc. was responsible for the distribution, development, and ownership of the Call of Duty series until 2022.

Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision

In January 2022, Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, including its subsidiaries, including Call of Duty, for $68.7 billion. This deal, the largest in gaming history, brought the Call of Duty franchise under Microsoft’s umbrella. [Important] The acquisition was a significant milestone in the company’s quest to expand its gaming presence and solidify its position in the gaming industry.

Call of Duty Franchise Structure: Developers, Publishers, and Owners

The Call of Duty franchise is structured to involve multiple developers, publishers, and owners. To better understand the ownership chain, let’s break down the key players:

Developers:

1. Infinity Ward: The original developer of Call of Duty, responsible for the series’ early games.
2. Treyarch: Developed titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops and its sequels.
3. Sledgehammer Games: Developed titles like Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and its sequels.
4. Raven Software: Developed titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and its expansions.

Publishers:

1. Activision: The original publisher of the Call of Duty series until 2022.
2. Blizzard Entertainment: Published Call of Duty: World at War and Call of Duty: Black Ops.

Current Ownership: Microsoft

The acquisition of Activision by Microsoft means that the American tech giant now owns Call of Duty, including the franchise’s intellectual property (IP), games, and development studios. Microsoft Gaming is responsible for the series’ development and publishing.

Key Point: Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision signifies a significant shift in the Call of Duty franchise, as the company now assumes ownership of the series.

Other Important Facts:

• Activision Still Involved: Although acquired by Microsoft, Activision Blizzard remains a subsidiary and continues to develop and publish games, including Call of Duty titles.
• Franchise Expansion: Call of Duty has expanded its reach beyond gaming, venturing into movies and esports, further solidifying its influence in popular culture.
• Regular Updates and Future Plans: Microsoft has reiterated its commitment to supporting Call of Duty, with promises of regular updates and new titles in development.

Conclusion: Who Owns Call of Duty?

In conclusion, the answer to the question is straightforward: Microsoft Gaming currently owns Call of Duty, having acquired Activision Blizzard in 2022. The franchise continues to thrive under Microsoft’s ownership, with a rich history, diverse development studios, and a loyal fan base driving its success.

In Summary:

Call of Duty’s complex web of developers, publishers, and owners has led us to the current situation: Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision, solidifying their position as the franchise’s owner.