Does Xbox Own COD? Unraveling the Acquisition and Its Implications
In short, yes, Xbox (Microsoft) does own Call of Duty (COD). The acquisition of Activision Blizzard King (ABK) by Microsoft granted them ownership of all ABK properties, including the immensely popular Call of Duty franchise.
The Genesis of the Acquisition: A Gaming Earthquake
The gaming world was shaken when Microsoft announced its intent to acquire Activision Blizzard King (ABK) in January 2022. This move wasn’t just a simple business transaction; it represented a seismic shift in the landscape of interactive entertainment. The potential consolidation of some of the industry’s biggest names under one roof immediately sparked both excitement and apprehension.
Activision Blizzard King: A Colossus of Gaming
Before the acquisition, Activision Blizzard King stood as a titan in its own right. The company’s portfolio boasted iconic franchises like:
- Call of Duty: A first-person shooter phenomenon.
- World of Warcraft: A massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) behemoth.
- Candy Crush Saga: A mobile gaming juggernaut.
- Diablo: A dark fantasy action RPG series.
- Overwatch: A team-based hero shooter.
These titles, among others, generated billions in revenue annually and commanded a loyal global fanbase. Acquiring ABK meant Microsoft would instantly gain control over these highly lucrative and influential properties.
The Road to Ownership: Navigating Regulatory Hurdles
The path to ownership wasn’t smooth sailing. The acquisition faced intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the United Kingdom. These agencies raised concerns about potential anticompetitive practices, particularly regarding game exclusivity and market dominance.
Microsoft worked diligently to address these concerns, making legally binding commitments to:
- Ensure Call of Duty remains available on PlayStation platforms for a specified period.
- Offer Call of Duty to cloud gaming services, including those of competitors.
- Not use ABK content to disadvantage competitors.
The Benefits for Microsoft: A Strategic Power Play
Owning Call of Duty provides Microsoft with several key strategic advantages:
- Content Domination: Solidifies Xbox’s position as a leading gaming platform with a vast library of exclusive and multiplatform titles.
- Game Pass Enhancement: Enables the addition of Call of Duty to Xbox Game Pass, attracting new subscribers and boosting the service’s value proposition.
- Cloud Gaming Prowess: Strengthens Microsoft’s position in the emerging cloud gaming market, allowing players to access Call of Duty on a variety of devices.
- Metaverse Expansion: Provides valuable assets for Microsoft’s metaverse ambitions, leveraging Call of Duty’s large and engaged player base.
The Implications for Players: What Does the Future Hold?
For players, the acquisition raises several questions about the future of Call of Duty. While Microsoft has pledged to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation for the time being, long-term concerns about platform exclusivity persist. The integration of Call of Duty into Xbox Game Pass could make the franchise more accessible to a wider audience, but may also alter purchasing habits.
The Completion of the Acquisition
After months of intense regulatory review and legal battles, Microsoft officially completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard King in October 2023. This marked a historic moment in the gaming industry, ushering in a new era of competition and consolidation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Call of Duty become an Xbox exclusive?
Microsoft has stated that Call of Duty will remain on PlayStation for the foreseeable future, honoring existing agreements and offering new deals. However, the long-term exclusivity of future Call of Duty titles remains a topic of debate and speculation. Microsoft has also emphasized their commitment to making the game available on multiple platforms, including cloud gaming services.
Will Call of Duty be available on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Microsoft has confirmed that Call of Duty will eventually be available on Xbox Game Pass. This will allow subscribers to access the game as part of their monthly subscription, making it more affordable for some players. The exact timing of its arrival on Game Pass is yet to be fully clarified.
What happens to my Call of Duty account and progress?
Your Call of Duty account and progress will remain intact. Microsoft has confirmed that player accounts and in-game progress will not be affected by the acquisition. This ensures a seamless transition for existing players.
Will the quality of Call of Duty games be affected by the acquisition?
Microsoft has pledged to maintain the quality of Call of Duty and invest in its future development. They have stated their intention to provide ABK studios with the resources and support needed to create innovative and engaging gaming experiences.
Will Call of Duty still be developed by Activision?
Yes, the various studios that develop Call of Duty, such as Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games, will continue to do so under the Microsoft umbrella. These studios retain their creative autonomy, while benefiting from Microsoft’s resources and expertise.
How will the acquisition affect Call of Duty esports?
Microsoft has expressed support for Call of Duty esports and plans to continue investing in the scene. The acquisition is expected to provide increased stability and resources for the Call of Duty League, helping it to grow and thrive.
Will the price of Call of Duty games change?
The price of Call of Duty games may be influenced by several factors, including the introduction of Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft’s pricing strategies. While the base price of the games might not change immediately, the Game Pass option could provide a more affordable alternative for some players.
Will there be any changes to the gameplay or content of Call of Duty?
It is possible that Microsoft will introduce new gameplay features, content, or game modes to Call of Duty in the future. They may also explore new ways to integrate the franchise with other Microsoft products and services.
Does Microsoft own other Activision Blizzard King games besides Call of Duty?
Yes, Microsoft now owns all of Activision Blizzard King’s properties, including World of Warcraft, Candy Crush Saga, Diablo, Overwatch, and many more. This significantly expands Microsoft’s gaming portfolio.
How long will Call of Duty remain on PlayStation?
Microsoft has committed to keeping Call of Duty on PlayStation for a “significant number of years” beyond existing agreements. While the exact duration is confidential, Microsoft has emphasized its commitment to providing PlayStation players with access to Call of Duty.
Will there be cross-play between Xbox and PlayStation players in Call of Duty?
Cross-play between Xbox and PlayStation players in Call of Duty is expected to continue. Microsoft has been a strong advocate for cross-play and has no plans to discontinue this feature.
What impact will this have on the gaming industry as a whole?
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard King by Microsoft is likely to have a significant impact on the gaming industry, potentially leading to increased competition, further consolidation, and new innovations in gaming technology and business models. It will be a defining moment in gaming history.