Xbox president Asha Sharma has stirred debate by declaring that Call Of Duty is bigger than the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a statement made during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. The remark comes as Xbox prepares for another round of expected layoffs and potential studio closures, with reports indicating up to three studios could be shut down.
In the interview, Sharma and Xbox’s executive vice president and chief content officer Matt Booty discussed the company's ambitions to expand beyond gaming into broader entertainment. Booty noted that Xbox has 'over 20 franchises that have made a billion dollars, lifetime,' positioning the company as a steward of these properties. Sharma then asserted, 'You won’t see us try to become the biggest linear provider in the world or anything like that, but I think great games are culture, and culture is entertainment.'
Call Of Duty vs. MCU: Financial Comparison
Sharma's claim that Call Of Duty surpasses the MCU is technically accurate from a financial perspective. According to Wikipedia’s list of highest-grossing media franchises, the MCU has generated an estimated $35.2 billion (approximately £26.6 billion), while Call Of Duty has earned approximately $31 billion (about £23.4 billion). The figures are close enough that updated numbers could shift the ranking, and Call Of Duty may be more profitable due to higher per-unit pricing compared to movie tickets—though exact profit data remains private.
However, cultural impact tells a different story. No Call Of Duty game has matched the fervor of MCU blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame. Even trailers for Marvel films, such as this year's Spider-Man: Brand New Day, broke records with the most views in 24 hours, surpassing even Grand Theft Auto 6's trailer.
Xbox's Entertainment Ambitions Amid Layoffs
Sharma's comments come as Xbox faces a turbulent period. Layoffs are expected in the coming weeks, and up to three studios may be closed. Despite this, Sharma emphasized Xbox's goal to become the world's biggest entertainment company, leveraging successful game adaptations. The Fallout TV series became Amazon's second most-watched returning show, and the Minecraft movie ranks among the highest-grossing video game films, trailing only the animated Super Mario movies.
Xbox plans to triple down on adaptations, including a newly announced Sea of Thieves live-action film produced by Destin Daniel Cretton, who directed three MCU projects: Shang-Chi, Wonder Man, and the upcoming Spider-Man film.
Challenges for Both Franchises
Both Call Of Duty and the MCU have faced recent struggles. Call Of Duty has seen declining player numbers, and last year's Black Ops 7 was a critical and commercial disappointment. The MCU, post-Endgame, has experienced more lows than highs, sparking debates about superhero fatigue. Call Of Duty's next entry, Modern Warfare 4, has received mixed early reactions, while the MCU is building toward Avengers Doomsday, a two-part film focusing on Doctor Doom.
Sharma's other comments drew less controversy. The Fallout show's second season was a major success, and the Minecraft movie performed well at the box office. Xbox's strategy hinges on transforming its gaming IP into mainstream entertainment, a move that could redefine its role in the industry.
