Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Skipping Nintendo Switch 2 at Launch

A recent development has left fans of the popular gaming franchise, Call of Duty, with a mix of disappointment and confusion. Despite parent company Microsoft's binding 10-year legal agreement to bring Call of Duty games to Nintendo platforms, it appears that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be skipping the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.

The Background

In 2023, Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, including the Call of Duty franchise, for a staggering $68.7 billion. As part of the deal, Microsoft committed to publishing several Call of Duty games on Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. This move was seen as a significant departure from traditional console wars, where Call of Duty is typically exclusive to Sony's PlayStation and Xbox platforms.

The Legal Agreement

In July 2023, it was announced that Microsoft had signed a binding 10-year legal agreement with Nintendo to bring Call of Duty games to the Switch. This agreement marked a significant shift in the gaming industry, as it saw two major players come together to ensure Call of Duty fans on all platforms.

The Latest Development

However, recent rumors have suggested that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be skipping the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. This would come as a significant disappointment for fans who were looking forward to playing the game on the new console.

Why is this Happening?

While Microsoft and Nintendo declined to comment directly on the matter, industry insiders have offered some possible explanations. According to reports, the decision to skip the Switch 2 launch may be due to a variety of factors, including:

• Technical challenges: The transition from the original Switch to the new model may require significant updates to ensure smooth performance.
• Development time: Microsoft and Activision Blizzard may have only recently begun working on Black Ops 7, leaving them with limited time to meet the launch window for the Switch 2.
• Prioritization: The company may be prioritizing other projects or titles that require more attention.

What Does this Mean?

The decision to skip the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on the Nintendo Switch 2 has significant implications for fans who were looking forward to playing the game on the new console. It also raises questions about the long-term future of Call of Duty on Nintendo platforms.

Conclusion

The situation surrounding Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and its potential launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 is complex and multifaceted. While Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have committed to bringing Call of Duty games to Nintendo platforms, it appears that this commitment may not be as binding as initially thought. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain: fans will be watching closely to see how this situation plays out.

Key Dates

• 2023: Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion.
• July 2023: Microsoft signs a binding 10-year legal agreement with Nintendo to bring Call of Duty games to the Switch.
• 2024 (estimated): Release date for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

Key Players

• Microsoft: Parent company of Activision Blizzard, responsible for bringing Call of Duty games to Nintendo platforms.
• Nintendo: Home of the Switch console, which is expected to launch with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
• Activision Blizzard: Developer and publisher of the Call of Duty franchise.

Key Locations

• United States: Location of Microsoft's headquarters and Activision Blizzard's main development studios.
• Japan: Home of Nintendo's headquarters and primary location for Switch console development.