Microsoft to keep ‘Call of Duty’ on PlayStation for 10 more years
Microsoft and Sony have reached a long-term agreement that will ensure the popular “Call of Duty” video game franchise remains on Sony’s PlayStation console. This deal comes as Microsoft’s acquisition of the game’s publisher, Activision Blizzard, is awaiting final approval. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but it is confirmed to span a duration of 10 years.
The purpose of this deal is to address regulators’ concerns that Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard would lead to reduced competition in the video game sector. Xbox chief, Phil Spencer, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement on Twitter, stating, “We look forward to a future where players globally have more choice to play their favorite games.”
Microsoft vice chairman, Brad Smith, also commented on the deal, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the concerns of regulators, platform and game developers, and consumers. He stated, “Even after we cross the finish line for this deal’s approval, we will remain focused on ensuring that Call of Duty remains available on more platforms and for more consumers than ever before.”
This agreement with Sony follows a federal court’s rejection of the Federal Trade Commission’s request to block the acquisition on antitrust grounds. The FTC argued that Microsoft’s control over “Call of Duty” would limit other platforms’ access to the franchise and other popular games. A federal appeals court also denied the FTC’s bid to pause the acquisition.
It is worth noting that Microsoft previously struck a similar 10-year deal in February to keep “Call of Duty” available on Nintendo platforms. This move aligns with their commitment to expand the availability of Xbox games and Activision titles to a wider range of players across various platforms.
However, Microsoft still faces the hurdle of obtaining final approval for the $69 billion acquisition in the United Kingdom. The country’s antitrust watchdog agency blocked the deal in April but allowed the company to explore potential remedies. Microsoft has requested a pause in its appeal to the London tribunal to allow more time for resolution. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) cited concerns about the impact on competition in cloud gaming when rejecting the acquisition.
Microsoft’s lawyers argue that the CMA is the main impediment to closing the deal and suggest that pausing the case would provide an opportunity for all parties to find a solution. There are reports indicating that Microsoft may consider selling part of its cloud gaming business in the UK to address the concerns raised by the CMA.
Overall, this agreement between Microsoft and Sony ensures that gamers will continue to enjoy “Call of Duty” on the PlayStation console, easing regulators’ concerns about reduced competition in the video game industry.
FAQs:
Q: What is the duration of the agreement between Microsoft and Sony for the “Call of Duty” franchise?
A: The agreement will run for 10 years.
Q: Why was this deal made?
A: The deal aims to alleviate regulators’ concerns that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard would harm competition in the video game sector.
Q: What did Xbox chief Phil Spencer say about the agreement?
A: Phil Spencer expressed his satisfaction with the agreement and looked forward to a future where players have more choices to play their favorite games.
Q: Has Microsoft made similar agreements in the past?
A: Yes, Microsoft previously reached a 10-year deal to keep “Call of Duty” available on Nintendo platforms.
Q: What obstacles does Microsoft still face in finalizing the acquisition?
A: Microsoft is seeking final approval in the United Kingdom, where the acquisition was initially blocked by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) due to concerns about competition in cloud gaming.
Q: How does Microsoft plan to address the CMA’s concerns?
A: Microsoft has signaled a willingness to sell parts of its cloud gaming business in the UK in order to address the CMA’s concerns about competition.
‘Call of Duty’ to Remain on PlayStation for Another Decade, Confirms Microsoft
Microsoft has made a groundbreaking agreement with rival Sony to ensure that the highly popular “Call of Duty” video game franchise will continue to be available on Sony’s PlayStation platform. The agreement comes as Microsoft’s pending $69 billion acquisition of the game’s publisher, Activision Blizzard, nears final approval.
The terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but a Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed that it will span a decade. The agreement is seen as a move to alleviate concerns from regulators that Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard would limit competition in the video game industry.
Xbox chief Phil Spencer took to Twitter to announce the agreement, stating, “We are pleased to announce that Microsoft and @PlayStation have signed a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. We look forward to a future where players globally have more choice to play their favorite games.”
Microsoft vice chairman Brad Smith also expressed his support for the deal, emphasizing the company’s commitment to addressing regulators’ concerns and ensuring that Call of Duty remains accessible on multiple platforms.
The announcement of Microsoft’s arrangement with Sony comes shortly after a federal court rejected the Federal Trade Commission’s request to block the acquisition on antitrust grounds. The FTC had argued that Microsoft would limit access to Call of Duty and other popular franchises on rival platforms. A federal appeals court also denied the FTC’s bid to halt the acquisition.
Microsoft has previously entered into a similar 10-year agreement with Nintendo to maintain Call of Duty on their platforms. Critics of the deal have raised concerns that Microsoft’s dominance in the video game market could hinder competition.
Microsoft still awaits final approval for its purchase in the United Kingdom. In April, the country’s antitrust watchdog agency blocked the deal but allowed Microsoft to explore potential remedies. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) cited concerns about the impact on competition in cloud gaming. Microsoft has asked a London tribunal to pause its appeal in order to have more time to resolve the dispute.
Microsoft’s lawyers have identified the CMA as the main obstacle to completing the acquisition. The company has reportedly shown willingness to sell part of its cloud gaming business in the UK to address the CMA’s concerns.
As Microsoft continues to navigate the regulatory landscape, the future of the Call of Duty franchise and its availability on various platforms remains a topic of interest and debate within the gaming industry.