cinematic success

Microsoft Corp has partnered with Paramount Skydance to develop a live-action film based on the Call of Duty franchise, following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for .7 billion. Paramount will handle production and distribution of the film. Call of Duty, which has sold over 500 million units since its launch in 2003, presents a wealth of material for adaptation. David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, expressed his excitement about the project. The partnership could lead to a broader Call of Duty universe, including multiple films and television series. Recent successes in video game adaptations include "A Minecraft Movie," which grossed .9 million domestically and .7 million globally. Microsoft acquired Mojang Studios, the parent company of Minecraft, for .5 billion in 2014. Activision Blizzard previously had success with the film "Warcraft," which grossed 9 million globally.