The Call of Duty franchise is fast becoming the linchpin of Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Because Sony lodged a protest with cartel guards, Microsoft promised the Japanese company that it would also offer the “CoD” games on the Playstation in the long term. Now Microsoft is going one step further: the “Call of Duty” games are also to be offered on Nintendo’s Switch consoles.
This promise, publicly displayed by Microsoft managers, is part of a charm offensive with which Microsoft not only wants to collect bonus points in the gaming community, but also wants to appease cartel inspectors. The planned takeover of the US publisher Activision Blizzard is being carefully examined by several authorities. Cartel watchdogs in both the UK and the EU have launched in-depth investigations. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission is preparing to file a lawsuit against the deal.
An important question here: Would Microsoft lock out its competitors if it were actually allowed to take over Activision Blizzard? This happened after the takeover of Bethesda, whose titles – including “Starfield” – will only be released for the Xbox platform. But with Activision Blizzard, Microsoft is striking more conciliatory tones in view of the increased pressure from the antitrust authorities. The company almost never misses an opportunity to promise Sony the long-term release of “Call of Duty” on Playstation consoles. The Playstation group has protested loudly to competition authorities against the takeover.
“Call of Duty” for the first time on Switch
But the commitment to Nintendo goes one step further: “Call of Duty” games were not previously available on the switch. There are actually several reasons that could speak against a switch version of “Call of Duty”. On the one hand, there is the fact that there is no established “Call of Duty” fan base on the switch.
The technology is also a problem: while ports between the consoles from Microsoft and Sony are not a problem due to the comparable hardware power, Nintendo’s switch is extremely weak in comparison. Adapting games to it requires considerable development effort – if it is even possible. Some studios, including EA Sports with its popular “FIFA” series, are therefore developing slimmed-down versions for the switch from the ground up that no longer have much to do with the other consoles.
Nevertheless, Microsoft has now agreed a ten-year deal with Nintendo, writes Xbox boss Phil Spencer on Twitter. Whether the main games or separately developed versions are meant is not clear from the post. Microsoft President Brad Smith uses this for a dig at Sony: “As soon as Sony wants to sit down and talk, we’d be happy to work out a ten-year deal with them.” So far, Sony has not responded to Microsoft’s offer.
The lucrative Call of Duty franchise is one of Activision Blizzard’s core brands. The latest spin-off, Modern Warfare 2, just got off to a record start with sales of over $800 million in its first three days – if Call of Duty were to disappear from Playstation it would be a huge blow to Sony.
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