Microsoft sets 10-year Call of Duty Nintendo deal upon Activision Blizzard buyout

Almost a year on, but the details and results of the Microsoft buyout of Activision Blizzard are still yet to be set in stone. Facing resistance from different areas, as well as the concerns of players over the fates of big franchises, Microsoft has made a new move to placate the audience. Should the acquisition go through, the company is set to bring the Call of Duty series to Nintendo systems for 10 years.

Microsoft has entered into a 10-year commitment to bring Call of Duty to @Nintendo following the merger of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard King.  Microsoft is committed to helping bring more games to more people – however they choose to play. @ATVI_AB

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) December 7, 2022

“I’m also pleased to confirm that Microsoft has committed to continue to offer Call of Duty on Steam simultaneously to Xbox after we have closed the merger with Activision Blizzard King,” said Spencer.

“We’re happy that Microsoft wants to continue using Steam to reach customers with Call of Duty when their Activision acquisition closes,” Valve boss Gabe Newell said. “Microsoft has been on Steam for a long time and we take it as a signal that they are happy with gamers’ reception to that and the work we are doing.”

This Nintendo and Call of Duty statement follow as a direct response to the many questions about the acquisition, most notably about the possibility of the series going exclusive and millions of players potentially not being able to play. In a nutshell, Microsoft is hoping to convince sceptical regulators that it will not be going down that path.

It is important to note that this 10-year deal with Nintendo for Call of Duty is the same one Microsoft has offered to Sony, but that has been rejected by the rival company.

Another interesting note is that there is currently no Call of Duty games on Nintendo platforms, and the Switch is definitely ill-equipped for it. Should the 10-year deal actually come into effect, it is likely we will see a bespoke version of Call of Duty on a newer Nintendo console rather than the current ones available on the market.

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