Call of Duty Esports May be Franchised Next Year
Wednesday 12th July 2017, 03:27 | written by: Gabriel SciberrasA stir in the community has commenced following a report regarding Activision’s interest in franchising the Call of Duty brand. Doubts concerning the Overwatch League are mutual to that of Call of Duty esports’ future.
With some time still remaining until the Overwatch League begins, uniting a plethora of countries, a considerable amount of esports companies and sports icons seem to have begun pouring in investments into locations for the franchised league to begin shortly. Here are the words of Richard Lewis, an award-winning journalist on the topic stated on July 9th;
“In addition to this there comes a new development that has irritated those looking to purchase territories. Activision Blizzard have openly communicated to these brands their intention to run a similar league for their Call of Duty series. While still in the very early stages of planning the launch date could be as soon as six months after the Overwatch League becomes active.
However, brands have been told that just because they control a territory for Overwatch does not guarantee them the same territory for a Call of Duty team should they choose to acquire one. With the prospect of having to buy in again for a separate endeavor many feel that the prospect of paying so much money for what would simply be the rights to an Overwatch team represents an incredibly poor return.”
Venues for the Call of Duty league do not have to clash with those of the Overwatch League. It has been rumoured that six months after the first league is over, the second will kick-off. Perhaps, Activision is displaying an act of greed, having had no problems whatsoever competitively ever since gaining full control of it. Yet, on the other side of thought, Activision could be showing off a bold marketing move, using the immense and community enthusiasm for Call of Duty: WWII to catapult the esport internationally. We’ll have to wait and see for further details and confirmations.