Take-Two Interactive CEO, Strauss Zelnick, is a fan of the buyout. Zelnick even went as far as to call Microsoft as an “ally” in an interview with The Wrap. According to Zelnick, a “more powerful” Microsoft is good for the entire industry. Zelnick is also open to the competition, saying it’s ultimately up to the consumer to decide. Zelnick adds that gamers will “show up” if there’s a good title, regardless of who makes it. Finally, Zelnick believes that the acquisition spree of recent years will continue, but the games will continue to remain different and unique even if they fall under the same umbrella. Zelnick’s statement comes on the backs of Microsoft taking “offense” to the Competition and Marketings Authority. After Brazil and Saudi Arabia gave the buyout the greenlight, the CMA launched a second inquiry. Apparently, the CMA’s initial investigation raised concerns about the ability of other companies to keep up with Microsoft’s incoming ownership of billions of dollars worth of IP. It’s worth noting that Microsoft isn’t just buying Call of Duty. Even if the marquee shooter is the main reason why Sony is sweating, Activision Blizzard is the owner of other lucrative properties that will become exclusive to Microsoft unless it sells them to other companies, which is highly unlikely. Here are other franchises owned by Activision Blizzard that have sold dozens of millions of copies outside of Call of Duty:
Guitar Hero - 40 million James Bond - 30 million Tony Hawk’s - 30 million Spyro - 20 million Diablo - 50 million Crash Bandicoot - 50 million
Interestingly enough, Electronic Arts, makers of Call of Duty’s chief rival, Battlefield, sees a ton of opportunity in a future where Call of Duty becomes exclusive to Microsoft. Despite all of the issues the transaction is currently facing, Microsoft is still confident that the $70 billion deal will push through.
