Microsoft Signs New Cloud Gaming Deal to Buy Call Of Duty
Microsoft has signed a new cloud gaming deal to purchase Call Of Duty from Activision Blizzard, in order to make the game available on more platforms. The move comes after Microsoft failed to buy the company outright, and is designed to make the game available to more gamers around the world.
What is the Deal?
The deal will see Call Of Duty added to Nintendo Switch, as well as to Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud streaming service. This will make the game available to more players, as well as ensuring that it remains accessible on the platforms it is already available on. Microsoft has also promised to keep Call Of Duty on Stadia, if it were still a thing.
Why is Microsoft Doing This?
Microsoft is doing this in order to appease the European Commission, which had reservations about the company’s attempted acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The company is hoping that by making Call Of Duty available on more platforms, it will show regulators that it is not trying to monopolize the market.
Microsoft has also said that it has a deal ready to send to Sony, so that the game can remain available on PlayStation consoles. However, Sony has yet to accept the offer.
What are the Terms of the Deal?
The deal will last for 10 years. This means that, after the 10-year period, Microsoft could make Call Of Duty an Xbox exclusive. However, Microsoft has said that it is willing to renegotiate the terms of the deal.
What Was the Reaction to the Deal?
The UK’s Competition and Market Authority (CMA) said that a Microsoft-owned Activision Blizzard would be detrimental to the industry and gamers. The CMA proposed that a partial divestment would allow Microsoft to buy the company, but Microsoft has rejected this.
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice president and president, said that Microsoft only has a 30% share of the console market, while Sony owns a third of its remaining 70%. He also said that Microsoft is always willing to renegotiate the deal with Sony.
What Does This Mean for Gamers?
This deal means that gamers will be able to access Call Of Duty on more platforms, including Nintendo Switch and Nvidia’s cloud streaming service. This will make the game more accessible to more players, and ensure that it remains available on the platforms it is already available on.
However, it is worth noting that the deal is only in place for 10 years. After this period, Microsoft could make Call Of Duty an Xbox exclusive. It is unclear whether Sony will accept Microsoft’s offer to keep the game on PlayStation consoles.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft Signs New Cloud Gaming Deal: Microsoft has signed a new cloud gaming deal to purchase Call Of Duty from Activision Blizzard, in order to make the game available on more platforms.
- Deal to Last for 10 Years: The deal will last for 10 years, meaning that Microsoft could make Call Of Duty an Xbox exclusive after this period.
- Microsoft Wants to Make Call Of Duty Accessible: Microsoft is doing this in order to make Call Of Duty more accessible to more players, and to appease regulators who had reservations about the company’s attempted acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
- Sony Has Yet to Accept Offer: Microsoft has said that it has a deal ready to send to Sony, so that the game can remain available on PlayStation consoles. However, Sony has yet to accept the offer.