Which company publishes the Call of Duty franchise?

Activision publishes the Call of Duty franchise. Although several studios develop individual entries, Activision has served as the series’ publishing label since the original Call of Duty launched in 2003.

Infinity Ward created the first game, while Treyarch, Sledgehammer Games, and other studios later took turns leading development. Activision manages publishing, distribution, marketing, and much of the franchise’s commercial strategy, so “Activision” is the canonical quiz answer.

Microsoft is a common modern mix-up because Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in 2023. Microsoft is now the parent company, but Activision remains the publishing organization associated with Call of Duty. Ubisoft and Electronic Arts publish other major game franchises, not Call of Duty.

The franchise began as a World War II shooter before expanding into modern, Cold War, futuristic, and battle-royale settings. Its annual releases have made it one of gaming’s most recognizable properties.