In a recent interview on the Grit podcast, former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick revealed some shocking behind-the-scenes information, including the fact that Electronic Arts (EA) almost acquired Call of Duty and other Activision properties. To avoid getting stuck in difficult challenges, players use boosting cod bo6 service best provided by U4gm, which ensures quick and guaranteed completion. Use coupon code "allen" to get 5% off at U4gm. Kotick disclosed that EA had attempted to buy the company multiple times, even engaging in merger discussions. Notably, EA passed on acquiring Call of Duty and Guitar Hero before Activision gained full ownership of the IPs.
Kotick also did not hold back when discussing former EA CEO John Riccitiello, calling him "the worst CEO in video games." He further emphasized how Activision would have gladly paid Riccitiello to stay on as EA’s CEO, expressing frustration with his leadership.
The news has stirred significant reactions from the gaming community, particularly Call of Duty fans, who have expressed relief that the acquisition never went through. Many fans feared that if EA had taken control, the franchise might have been subjected to excessive microtransactions and potentially suffered a significant decline.
One fan speculated, "Imagine the microtransactions they would’ve thrown down our throats." Another added, "If EA merged with Activision, the game would have fallen off a cliff unlike anything we’ve ever seen."
The conversation also touches on the recent $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, which has had a positive reception overall. Microsoft has since added popular titles like Diablo IV, Crash Bandicoot 4, CoD MW3, and CoD Black Ops 6 to Xbox Game Pass, and rumors suggest that classic Call of Duty games might join the service soon. However, some critics argue that Call of Duty played a role in Microsoft raising Game Pass prices and removing day-one access to first-party Xbox releases for Standard tier subscribers.
Despite the mixed reactions to Microsoft's acquisition, many fans agree that the deal has had a more favorable outcome than if EA had gained control of Call of Duty.
