Microsoft today signed a 10-year licensing deal to bring Activision’s popular Call of Duty franchise to Boosteroid’s cloud gaming platform. The move is partly aimed at addressing concerns over competition following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision in January last year.
This licensing deal, which is conditional on regulatory approval for the Activision acquisition, will also enable Microsoft’s Xbox PC games to be accessible on Boosteroid’s platform. This is in line with Microsoft’s commitment to offering more ways for players to enjoy their favorite games on various devices.
Phil Spencer, chief executive of Microsoft’s gaming division, said, “We believe in the power of games to bring people together. Bringing Xbox PC games to Boosteroid members, including Activision Blizzard titles such as ‘Call of Duty’ once the deal closes, is yet another step in realizing that vision.”
In addition to this agreement, Microsoft has similar licensing deals with other gaming giants such as NVIDIA, Nintendo, and Valve Corp. These deals are expected to facilitate EU antitrust regulators’ approval of Microsoft’s takeover of Activision, subject to such licensing agreements. However, the UK watchdog may pose a greater challenge.
Boosteroid, which operates in the United States, the United Kingdom, and EU countries, will benefit greatly from this partnership as it enhances the platform’s game offerings. It will enable gamers to play Call of Duty on Boosteroid’s cloud gaming platform, a significant step forward for the company.
The Activision acquisition is Microsoft’s largest-ever deal, aimed at boosting its presence in the highly competitive video gaming market, where Tencent and Sony dominate. It will also lay the foundation for Microsoft’s investment in the metaverse, an immersive virtual reality space that is rapidly gaining traction.
