Microsoft Proposes to Acquire Activision Blizzard for $69 Billion (opens in new tab) is facing intense scrutiny from regulators around the world, and one of the main sticking points is the future of the Call of Duty series on the PlayStation platform. To allay these concerns and move the deal forward, Microsoft said: new york times (opens in new tab) Earlier this month, it pledged to strike a 10-year deal with Sony to keep the Call of Duty series on the PlayStation console.
Ironically, in recent years, PlayStation owners have actually gotten an edge over us with early access to Call of Duty beta testing and other content. If the series is under Microsoft’s control, it seems highly unlikely it will continue, but Sony is more concerned that it could be discontinued altogether. “I want to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation,” he said. (opens in new tab),” but nothing more specific than respecting agreements already in place.
The issue came up in September when Xbox boss Phil Spencer said Microsoft was guaranteeing Call of Duty’s release on PlayStation consoles for “at least several years longer than Sony’s current deal.” It seemed a bit of a personal trend. rice field. (opens in new tab).”
At the end of October, Spencer said, “As long as there are PlayStations to ship, Microsoft will continue to release Call of Duty for PlayStation consoles.” (opens in new tab)This new 10-year offer is a little narrower than that, but it’s also a little easier to close, and it speaks to Microsoft’s determination to make the acquisition happen. A vague promise and a three-year promise.
It remains to be seen whether just getting regulators on board will be enough. Console exclusivity is only one issue for him. There are also concerns that subscribing Activision games to Game Pass will give the company “unique advantages” over other streaming services. Microsoft said in October that he had a deal with Sony to remove Call of Duty from Game Pass. (opens in new tab), but it will probably expire at some point. At that time, it seems likely that Call of Duty will become one of Game Pass’s favorite games.
The Times reports that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision is being considered by 16 different government agencies.Saudi Arabia and Brazil approved the deal, but US and UK distributors (opens in new tab)and EU (opens in new tab) We are continuing our investigation.