Who owns Call of Duty now?
The gaming world is always buzzing with new acquisitions, mergers, and changes in the industry. In recent news, Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, one of the most prominent video game developers and publishers in the world. This has raised questions about who owns Call of Duty now?
Microsoft Owns Activision Blizzard
In a landmark deal worth $69 billion, Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in January 2022. The transaction was completed in October 2023, making Activision Blizzard a subsidiary of Microsoft. This acquisition adds to Microsoft’s already extensive gaming portfolio, which includes Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, and other gaming brands.
What does Activision Blizzard own?
As part of the deal, Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard’s entire portfolio, including:
- Call of Duty: One of the most popular first-person shooter franchises in the world.
- Overwatch: A team-based first-person shooter with a loyal fan base.
- Diablo: A renowned action RPG series.
- Warcraft: A fantasy-themed MMORPG and RTS series.
- Starcraft: A real-time strategy series set in space.
- Guitar Hero: A music rhythm game franchise.
- Crash Bandicoot: A beloved platformer series.
- Spyro: Another classic platformer series.
What does this mean for Call of Duty players?
With Microsoft as the new owner of Activision Blizzard, Call of Duty players can expect to see changes in the gaming landscape. Here are some potential implications:
- Unified gaming platform: Xbox and Activision Blizzard have the potential to create a more seamless gaming experience, with cross-platform play, sharing, and other benefits.
- New gaming opportunities: Microsoft’s ownership may lead to new gameplay features, modes, and genres being added to Call of Duty.
- Competitive gaming: As Microsoft owns both Xbox and Activision Blizzard, this could lead to more competitive gaming events and tournaments, increasing the stakes for professional Call of Duty players.
- New business models: With Microsoft’s resources, Call of Duty may adopt new business models, such as subscription-based services or seasonal updates.
Who owned Call of Duty before Microsoft?
Before the acquisition, Activision Blizzard was an independent company, publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange. Activision was founded in 1979, and Blizzard was acquired by Activision in 2008. Before the acquisition, Activision Blizzard was owned by Activision’s shareholders, with Vivendi, a French media conglomerate, holding a significant stake.
Additional Fun Facts
- Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is one of the largest in the gaming industry.
- The deal gives Microsoft a significant presence in the gaming market, solidifying its position as a major player.
- With Microsoft’s ownership, Call of Duty may see new integration with other Xbox brands, such as Xbox Live and Xbox Game Pass.
- The acquisition has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, with many developers and publishers taking notice of Microsoft’s increased presence in the market.
In conclusion
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a significant development in the gaming industry, with potential implications for Call of Duty players and the gaming market as a whole. While we can’t predict exactly what the future holds, it’s clear that Call of Duty is now a part of the Microsoft ecosystem, and we can expect exciting changes and developments ahead.
Table: Gaming Industry Mergers and Acquisitions
| Acquisition Date | Acquirer | Acquired Company | Total Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2022 | Microsoft | Activision Blizzard | $69 billion |
| 2021 | Sony | Bungie | $3.6 billion |
| 2019 | Microsoft | Mojang | $2.5 billion |
| 2014 | Nintendo | Retro Studios | Unknown |
| 2010 | Electronic Arts | Playfish | $400 million |
References
[1] Microsoft. (2022). Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in an all-cash transaction. Retrieved from https://news.microsoft.com/2022/01/18/microsoft-to-acquire-activision-blizzard-for-687-billion-in-an-all-cash-transaction/
[2] Activision Blizzard. (2022). Press Release: Activision Blizzard, Inc. Announces Intention to be Acquired by Microsoft Corporation for $68.7 billion. Retrieved from https://www.activisionblizzard.com/investors/news-releases/press-release-details/2022/Activision-Blizzard-Inc-Announces-Intention-To-Be-Acquired-By-Microsoft-Corporation-For-$687-Billion/default.aspx