Who Owns Call of Duty Modern Warfare?
The question of who owns Call of Duty Modern Warfare is a bit complicated, as the rights to the franchise have changed hands over the years. But let’s dive in and break it down step by step.
Background
Call of Duty Modern Warfare is a first-person shooter video game developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision. The game was released in 2019 and received critical acclaim for its realistic gameplay, engaging storyline, and well-designed multiplayer modes.
Ownership Structure
As of 2021, Microsoft owns the rights to Call of Duty Modern Warfare. Yes, you read that right – Microsoft, the same company behind Xbox, Windows, and LinkedIn. In 2022, Microsoft announced that it had acquired Activision Blizzard, the company that had been publishing the Call of Duty franchise for decades, for a staggering $69 billion.
Tencent’s Involvement
Tencent, a Chinese gaming and tech conglomerate, has a significant stake in the ownership structure of Call of Duty Modern Warfare. Tencent holds around 16.5% of Activision Blizzard’s shares. As part of its ownership, Tencent has been involved in the development and publishing of several Call of Duty titles, including Modern Warfare.
Other Shareholders
In addition to Microsoft and Tencent, Activision Blizzard’s board of directors also includes representatives from other major investors, including:
- ViacomCBS (4.9% stake): The media conglomerate has a significant stake in the ownership structure, reflecting the importance of entertainment and gaming in its business portfolio.
- Public Investment Funds (14.6% stake): These investment funds, including Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street Global Advisors, are institutional investors that own significant shares of Activision Blizzard.
- Private Equity Firms (9.1% stake): Private equity firms like Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) and Carlyle Group own shares in Activision Blizzard.
Who Owns Call of Duty Modern Warfare? A Simplified Ownership Chart
Here’s a simplified chart illustrating the ownership structure of Call of Duty Modern Warfare:
Microsoft (74.1%)
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|____ Activision Blizzard
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|____ Infinity Ward (developed the game)
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|____ Tencent (16.5%)Conclusion
In summary, Microsoft owns Call of Duty Modern Warfare through its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, while Tencent has a significant stake in the ownership structure. Other shareholders include institutional investors, private equity firms, and media conglomerates.
Now that we’ve unraveled the complexities of the ownership structure, it’s time to ask – What does this mean for the future of Call of Duty Modern Warfare? Stay tuned for our next article to find out!