Microsoft Strikes Deal to Bring “Call of Duty” to Nvidia Platform

Microsoft Corp has struck a 10-year deal with Nvidia Corp to bring “Call of Duty” and other Activision games to Nvidia’s gaming platform, if the Xbox maker is allowed to complete its much-contested $69 billion acquisition of Activision. The deal could allay regulator and competitor concerns by ensuring more ways for consumers to get games controlled by Microsoft. Phil Eisler, vice president and general manager of Nvidia’s GeForce Now segment, said that titles such that “Call of Duty” will not be available on Nvidia’s service unless Microsoft acquires Activision, but other Microsoft-owned titles such as “Minecraft” are covered immediately under the 10-year license agreement. Microsoft President Brad Smith is now more optimistic of getting the Activision acquisition done after the Nvidia deal and a similar arrangement with Nintendo Co Ltd. Sony has led opposition to the Microsoft-Activision deal, while the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has asked a judge to block it. Microsoft has pledged to keep “Call of Duty” on Sony’s PlayStation.