Who owns the IP for Call of Duty?

Who Owns the IP for Call of Duty?

The question of who owns the IP for Call of Duty has been a topic of discussion in the gaming industry for quite some time. With the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, the ownership of the IP has become even more complex. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Call of Duty franchise and explore who owns the IP.

A Brief History of Call of Duty

The Call of Duty franchise was first launched in 2003 by Infinity Ward, a studio founded by three veteran game developers. The game was developed by Activision, a leading video game publisher, and was released to critical acclaim. The game’s success led to the creation of a series of sequels, spin-offs, and expansions, with each installment building on the previous one.

Who Owns the IP for Call of Duty?

The ownership of the IP for Call of Duty is a bit complicated. When Activision Blizzard acquired Activision in 2008, it gained ownership of the Call of Duty franchise. However, the rights to the franchise were split between Activision and Infinity Ward, the original developers of the game.

Activision Blizzard’s Acquisition of Infinity Ward

In 2010, Activision Blizzard acquired Infinity Ward, the studio responsible for developing the first Call of Duty games. This acquisition gave Activision Blizzard full ownership of the Call of Duty franchise, including the IP. However, the acquisition also led to a split within the studio, with some developers leaving to form a new studio, Respawn Entertainment.

Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

In January 2022, Microsoft announced that it would acquire Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. The acquisition was completed in June 2022, making Microsoft the new owner of the Call of Duty franchise, including the IP.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Call of Duty?

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has significant implications for the future of the Call of Duty franchise. With Microsoft now owning the IP, it is likely that the company will continue to develop and publish new Call of Duty games. However, it is also possible that the company may make changes to the franchise, such as introducing new characters or game modes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ownership of the IP for Call of Duty is a complex topic that has undergone significant changes over the years. From its origins as a game developed by Infinity Ward to its current ownership by Microsoft, the franchise has undergone many transformations. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Call of Duty franchise adapts to these changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who owns the IP for Call of Duty?
  • Microsoft, after acquiring Activision Blizzard in 2022.
• Who developed the first Call of Duty games?
  • Infinity Ward, a studio founded by three veteran game developers.
• Who owns the rights to the Call of Duty franchise?
  • Activision Blizzard, although the rights were split between Activision and Infinity Ward prior to Activision Blizzard’s acquisition of Infinity Ward.
• What does the acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft mean for the future of Call of Duty?
  • It is likely that Microsoft will continue to develop and publish new Call of Duty games, although the company may make changes to the franchise.

Table: Call of Duty Franchise Timeline

References

• [1] Activision Blizzard. (2022). Activision Blizzard Completes Acquisition by Microsoft.
• [2] Infinity Ward. (2022). Infinity Ward Celebrates 20th Anniversary.
• [3] Microsoft. (2022). Microsoft Completes Acquisition of Activision Blizzard.