Call of Duty is one of the most popular and beloved video game franchises in the world. With millions of fans across the globe, it’s no surprise that this first-person shooter has captured the hearts and minds of gamers everywhere. But who owns Call of Duty? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the history and ownership structure of the Call of Duty franchise, including its acquisition by Activision, the rise of Modern Warfare, and more recent developments in the game’s ownership and distribution.
History of Call of Duty
Call of Duty was first released in 2003 by Infinity Ward, a California-based video game development company. The game quickly gained popularity among gamers, thanks to its thrilling multiplayer modes, realistic graphics, and engaging storylines. Over the years, Call of Duty has grown into a massive franchise, with dozens of games released under the brand name.
Acquisition by Activision
In 2013, Activision, a global entertainment company, acquired Infinity Ward and its Call of Duty franchise for $800 million. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new era for Call of Duty, as Activision set out to expand the game’s reach and influence in the gaming world. Under Activision’s ownership, Call of Duty has become one of the most profitable video game franchises of all time.
Modern Warfare’s Success
One of the key factors behind Call of Duty’s success under Activision’s ownership has been the release of Modern Warfare in 2019. This game, which took place during the Cold War era, was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and accolades from critics and gamers alike. The success of Modern Warfare helped to reinvigorate the Call of Duty franchise and pave the way for future games.
Recent Developments in Ownership and Distribution
In recent years, there have been some developments in the ownership and distribution of the Call of Duty franchise. In 2020, Activision announced that it was partnering with a Chinese company called ByteDance to launch a mobile version of Call of Duty in China. This partnership raised some concerns about the potential for the game to be subject to Chinese censorship and control. However, Activision has since clarified that the game will be fully compliant with Chinese laws and regulations.
Summary
Call of Duty is one of the most popular and successful video game franchises in the world, with millions of fans across the globe. While the ownership of the franchise has changed hands over the years, it remains a major player in the gaming industry. With ongoing developments in distribution and ownership, it’s clear that Call of Duty will continue to be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come.
FAQs
- Who owns Call of Duty? Activision acquired the franchise in 2013.
- When was Modern Warfare released? Modern Warfare was released in 2019.
- Is there a mobile version of Call of Duty in China? Yes, Activision partnered with ByteDance to launch a mobile version of Call of Duty in China in 2020.
- What are some concerns about the Chinese version of Call of Duty? There were concerns about potential censorship and control by Chinese authorities. However, Activision has clarified that the game will be fully compliant with Chinese laws and regulations.
