EA Spurned Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, and Blizzard Deals, Ex-Exec Says

Former EA chief creative officer Bing Gordon revealed in a recent podcast that EA passed on acquiring several blockbuster franchises, including Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, and World of Warcraft. He commended Activision's Bobby Kotick for recognizing the value in these franchises, especially as they continue to thrive under Microsoft's ownership after the Activision Blizzard merger. Gordon criticized EA's alternative acquisitions, suggesting they missed out on significant opportunities. Kotick further disclosed that EA had previously made multiple attempts to merge with Activision Blizzard, hinting at a complex history between the two gaming giants.

EA passed on acquiring these franchises because they did not see their future potential, a decision they later regretted as these franchises have proven to be incredibly successful and lucrative under Activision Blizzard and Microsoft's ownership.

Call of Duty and World of Warcraft have established themselves as giants in the gaming industry. Call of Duty is a leading first-person shooter franchise known for its engaging multiplayer modes, while World of Warcraft remains the quintessential MMORPG with millions of subscribers, creating a lasting legacy since its launch in 2004. The history between EA and Activision highlights the often unpredictable nature of the gaming industry and the impact of strategic decisions made by corporate executives.