Microsoft is still in the process of acquiring Activision Blizzard, and while regulators are cracking down on Microsoft, PlayStation itself is heating up.
One of the biggest concerns expressed by regulators is that certain key game series, especially the Call of Duty franchise, one of the biggest game series on the planet, could become exclusive to the Xbox platform as a result of the acquisition. I thought it was sexual. To pre-empt this question, Xbox says Call of Duty will still be available on PlayStation in multiple settings and ways.
The initial statement only said the series would remain multi-platform for the remainder of the current deal between Activision and PlayStation parent company Sony. On Monday, Xbox president Phil Spencer revealed that Microsoft has signed an offer with Sony to keep games on the PlayStation beyond that deal. It is not intended for public release and is not yet sufficiently future proof.
PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan said, “I didn’t mean to comment on what I understand to be a personal business discussion, but Phil Spencer made this public forum. I feel I need to set the record straight,” he said. Statement for business-focused website Games Industry.biz.
“Microsoft has offered to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation for only three years after the current deal between Activision and Sony ends,” continued Ryan. “After nearly 20 years of Call of Duty on PlayStation, their proposal fell short on many levels and did not consider the impact on gamers. We want to ensure that you can experience Call of Duty, and Microsoft’s proposal subverts this principle.”
None of these deals have been finalized (with the exception of the first one, which took place before Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard began), but the companies have an incentive to continue these semi-disclosed talks. It’s a chance for Microsoft to prove to regulators that it’s working with Sony to ensure it doesn’t monopolize franchises like Call of Duty, and while Microsoft is under a little extra pressure, Sony has a chance. You have the opportunity to get more favorable deals.
