Microsoft has reported an binding agreement with Sony’s PlayStation division to guarantee that the well known gaming franchise, Call of Duty, will keep on being accessible on PlayStation platforms. Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which raised concerns regarding the multi-platform game’s future, the announcement was made.
Phil Spencer, the Head of Microsoft Gaming and Xbox, took to Twitter to share the news, expressing, “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.”
This agreement aims at addressing concerns raised by regulators regarding the potential impact of Microsoft’s acquisition on competition. Microsoft’s Bad Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith, likewise communicated his obligation to resolving these worries. As indicated by a report, the responsibility has prompted a 10-year deal.
“From Day One of this acquisition, we’ve been committed to addressing the concerns of regulators, platform and game developers, and consumers. 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,” stated Smith.
Fears that Microsoft’s increased market dominance would result in exclusivity or reduced availability of the game on rival platforms might be allayed by the agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation. The Government Exchange Commission (FTC) had recently communicated worries that the procurement could hinder competition and limit consumer choice.
The FTC argued that Microsoft would have a reason to deny competitors like Sony access to the popular game, which could ultimately harm console gamers as well as gamers who subscribe to gaming services. Because of these worries, Microsoft had previously dedicated to authorizing “Call of Duty” to other industry players. Notably, they had agreed to a 10-year contract with Nintendo subject to the merger’s completion.
Players can anticipate enjoying the highly anticipated Call of Duty titles on their preferred platforms, regardless of whether they play on Xbox or PlayStation consoles, thanks to the recent agreement between Microsoft and PlayStation. The new agreement with PlayStation is one of the numerous manners by which Microsoft is attempting to convince regulators in the US and Europe for the Microsoft-Activision obtaining.