Reports are popping up about a buyout that could be the most significant in the history of gaming, and could very well be the answer to winning the next generation wars. Vivendi, parent company of Activision, is planning to lay off 61 percent of its hold on the company to the highest bidder, and reports are claiming Microsoft as one of the front runners aiming for the big prize.

Other parties said to be in on the action, is Tencent, the largest online game provider in China, and a company who recently collaborated with Activision to launch Call Of Duty online. Next up is Time Warner, a global leader in media and entertainment with businesses in television networks, film and TV entertainment and publishing.

Microsoft as a company that is knee deep in the gaming industry would want own all the top franchises Activision has to offer, especially that of Call Of Duty. The company is busy working on the successor to the Xbox 360, but we are certain a little bit of focus can be shifted towards striking a deal with Vivendi, which would definitely put the hurt on Nintendo and Sony.

Vivendi's stake in Activision is worth $10 billion, that's a lot of money right there, and can potentially detract Microsoft from the task at hand. But we believe if Microsoft wants to have more control over its future in the realm of gaming, the company will look pass the premium price and go in for the kill.

Call Of Duty is not the only big game Microsoft is aiming for here. Bungie recently signed up with Activision with a triple A game already in the pipelines. The game, which is rumored to be called Destiny, is said to be an online FPS MMO sci-fi title that is a lot like Sony's own PlanetSide. While we don't expect Microsoft to make Call Of Duty or Destiny exclusive to the Xbox 360 and its successor, exclusive content and timed exclusivity might play a big part in the company's plan to win the next generation sword fight.

Question - theoretically, if Microsoft should buy Vivendi's stake in Activision and make Call of Duty exclusive to the Xbox 360 and its successor, would the PlayStation fanboys jump ship to get their Call of Duty fix, or invest time into another shooter like Battlefield?