In February this year, Microsoft announced that it had signed binding agreement with Nintendo that would see new Call of Duty games releasing for the Japanese company’s platforms for 10 years after the closure of Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, though as it turns out, it seems the deal will cover more than just Call of Duty games.
Microsoft has stated in recently submitted documents as part of its trial against the FTC that, as per the aforementioned agreement, it is contractually obligated to release all future Activision Blizzard content for Nintendo platforms, not just Call of Duty.
“Nintendo has a contractual right to obtain Activision content post-merger, including Call of Duty,” the document reads (pages 74 and 120).
In the same document, Microsoft also restated it’s commitment to release Call of Duty for an “in-development” successor to the Nintendo Switch.
Recently, Microsoft announced that it has also entered into 10-year agreement with PlayStation, though that deal will only cover future Call of Duty releases.
Recently, the FTC was denied an in injunction against Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, while follow-up appeal against the verdict has also been denied. Microsoft is currently also in the process of negotiating terms for the deal with the UK’s CMA, though the regulator recently pushed back the deadline for its final decision regarding the acquisition until August 29.