Microsoft’s secret acquisition: does the tech giant control sledgehammer games?

The gaming industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, with companies frequently acquiring and divesting studios. Amidst this constant flux, a question that has been circulating among gamers and industry enthusiasts alike is: “Does Microsoft own Sledgehammer Games?” This blog post aims to shed light on this topic, exploring the historical and current relationship between Microsoft and Sledgehammer Games.

A Brief History of Sledgehammer Games:

Sledgehammer Games, a renowned game development studio, was founded in 2009 by Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey. The studio initially gained recognition for its work on the “Dead Space” franchise, which garnered critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and immersive horror experience.

Acquisition by Activision:

In 2012, Activision Blizzard, a leading game publisher, acquired Sledgehammer Games. This acquisition marked a significant milestone for the studio, providing it with access to Activision’s vast resources and global reach.

Collaboration on the “Call of Duty” Franchise:

Since its acquisition by Activision, Sledgehammer Games has played a pivotal role in the development of the “Call of Duty” franchise. The studio has been responsible for developing several critically acclaimed titles, including “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3,” “Call of Duty: Vanguard,” and “Call of Duty: WWII.”

Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard:

In January 2022, Microsoft announced its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard in a transformative deal valued at $68.7 billion. This acquisition sent shockwaves through the gaming industry and raised questions about the future of Sledgehammer Games.

The Current Status:

As of the writing of this blog post, Microsoft has not yet completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The deal is still pending regulatory approval in several jurisdictions. As such, Sledgehammer Games remains a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard.

Potential Future Scenarios:

Once Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is finalized, there are several possible scenarios regarding the ownership of Sledgehammer Games:

Scenario 1: Microsoft Retains Ownership

Microsoft could choose to retain ownership of Sledgehammer Games, leveraging the studio’s expertise in developing first-person shooter games for its own platforms, such as Xbox and Windows.

Scenario 2: Spin-Off or Sale

Alternatively, Microsoft could decide to spin off or sell Sledgehammer Games as a separate entity. This would give the studio greater independence and allow it to explore new opportunities.

Scenario 3: Joint Ownership

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard could also explore the possibility of joint ownership of Sledgehammer Games. This arrangement would allow both companies to benefit from the studio’s talents while maintaining some level of autonomy.

Takeaways:

The ultimate fate of Sledgehammer Games’ ownership remains uncertain until Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is finalized. However, the studio’s track record of developing high-quality games and its strategic importance to the “Call of Duty” franchise suggest that it will continue to play a significant role in the gaming industry regardless of its future ownership structure.

What You Need to Know

1. When did Activision Blizzard acquire Sledgehammer Games?
Answer: 2012

2. What is the name of the founder of Sledgehammer Games?
Answer: Glen Schofield

3. Which “Call of Duty” titles has Sledgehammer Games developed?
Answer: “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3,” “Call of Duty: Vanguard,” and “Call of Duty: WWII”

4. What is the current status of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard?
Answer: Pending regulatory approval

5. What are the potential future scenarios for Sledgehammer Games‘ ownership?