Microsoft, one of the industry's leading technology giants, has officially announced a landmark 10-year commitment to bring the renowned Call of Duty franchise to Nintendo platforms, signaling significant changes in the shooter game landscape.
This announcement comes directly from Phil Spencer, the Head of Xbox, who confirmed the agreement via Twitter on December 7, 2022, in the wake of Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard King. Phil Spencer stated that Microsoft is committed to making Call of Duty available to a broader audience by ensuring the franchise reaches Nintendo platforms, following the successful completion of its acquisition of Activision Blizzard King.
Spencer emphasized Microsoft's resolve to provide players with more options, affirming that this deal is aligned with the company's vision to bring games to more people, regardless of how or where they choose to play. In a subsequent interview with the Washington Post, Spencer elaborated that development work to adapt Call of Duty for Nintendo hardware would commence after June 2023, contingent on regulatory approval and the finalization of the acquisition.
The agreement marks a strategic effort to ensure Call of Duty is accessible on as many platforms as possible, reflecting the series' global popularity and Microsoft’s inclusive approach to game distribution. The 10-year commitment underscores Microsoft's long-term dedication to the Nintendo community, though the full rollout may align with future generations of Nintendo hardware, following the current success of the Nintendo Switch.
This initiative not only expands the franchise’s reach but also strengthens cross-platform relationships, which have become increasingly important in today's interconnected gaming industry. Additionally, as part of the comprehensive partnership, Microsoft confirmed that Call of Duty will return to Steam.
Although recent entries in the franchise have primarily launched through Activision's proprietary Battlenet platform, the renewed availability on Steam will restore access for a substantial segment of the player base and enhance cross-play and community integration.
The Call of Duty franchise, developed by Activision, is among the best-selling shooter series in gaming history, with consistent chart-topping releases and a strong presence on multiple platforms.
Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and its predecessors, have traditionally had less representation from major third-party shooters.
This agreement marks a notable step in bringing blockbuster titles to Nintendo’s user base, further diversifying the content available through channels such as the Nintendo eShop and future Direct presentations. As the acquisition progresses and with Phil Spencer's leadership, Microsoft’s strategy continues to focus on breaking down barriers between platforms and improving access for gamers worldwide.
With these developments, fans can look forward to more choices and genres on Nintendo consoles in the coming years, further blurring the lines of traditional gaming ecosystems.
This announcement comes directly from Phil Spencer, the Head of Xbox, who confirmed the agreement via Twitter on December 7, 2022, in the wake of Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard King. Phil Spencer stated that Microsoft is committed to making Call of Duty available to a broader audience by ensuring the franchise reaches Nintendo platforms, following the successful completion of its acquisition of Activision Blizzard King.
Spencer emphasized Microsoft's resolve to provide players with more options, affirming that this deal is aligned with the company's vision to bring games to more people, regardless of how or where they choose to play. In a subsequent interview with the Washington Post, Spencer elaborated that development work to adapt Call of Duty for Nintendo hardware would commence after June 2023, contingent on regulatory approval and the finalization of the acquisition.
The agreement marks a strategic effort to ensure Call of Duty is accessible on as many platforms as possible, reflecting the series' global popularity and Microsoft’s inclusive approach to game distribution. The 10-year commitment underscores Microsoft's long-term dedication to the Nintendo community, though the full rollout may align with future generations of Nintendo hardware, following the current success of the Nintendo Switch.
This initiative not only expands the franchise’s reach but also strengthens cross-platform relationships, which have become increasingly important in today's interconnected gaming industry. Additionally, as part of the comprehensive partnership, Microsoft confirmed that Call of Duty will return to Steam.
Although recent entries in the franchise have primarily launched through Activision's proprietary Battlenet platform, the renewed availability on Steam will restore access for a substantial segment of the player base and enhance cross-play and community integration.
The Call of Duty franchise, developed by Activision, is among the best-selling shooter series in gaming history, with consistent chart-topping releases and a strong presence on multiple platforms.
Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and its predecessors, have traditionally had less representation from major third-party shooters.
This agreement marks a notable step in bringing blockbuster titles to Nintendo’s user base, further diversifying the content available through channels such as the Nintendo eShop and future Direct presentations. As the acquisition progresses and with Phil Spencer's leadership, Microsoft’s strategy continues to focus on breaking down barriers between platforms and improving access for gamers worldwide.
With these developments, fans can look forward to more choices and genres on Nintendo consoles in the coming years, further blurring the lines of traditional gaming ecosystems.
