Microsoft and Sony have reached a binding agreement to ensure that the popular video game franchise Call of Duty will continue to be available on PlayStation following Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, announced the agreement in a tweet on Sunday, expressing excitement about a future where players have more choice in playing their favorite games. This comes as Microsoft and Activision Blizzard move forward with their $68.7 billion merger after a federal appeals court denied the Federal Trade Commission’s bid to temporarily halt the deal.
The FTC has raised concerns about the merger potentially harming competition in the gaming market, suggesting that Microsoft might make Activision’s games exclusive to its own Xbox consoles and withdraw them from Sony’s PlayStation systems. However, the agreement with Sony appears to address some of these concerns. Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Smith, reassured regulators, platform and game developers, and consumers that they are committed to addressing concerns and ensuring that Call of Duty remains available on multiple platforms.
Despite progress in the merger, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard still face another obstacle from the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority, with the deadline for the agreement approaching. This development shows the multiple challenges the companies must overcome in order to proceed with the merger.
It is worth noting that the acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft would have profound implications for the gaming industry. Activision Blizzard is one of the largest video game publishers globally, known for popular franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush. The merger would merge these properties with Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios, creating a major force in the gaming market. With Microsoft’s focus on expanding its gaming presence and Sony’s desire to retain popular titles on PlayStation, this agreement ensures that Call of Duty fans will have continued access to the game on their preferred platform.
In conclusion, Microsoft and Sony have signed a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty available on PlayStation after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This agreement addresses concerns about potential exclusivity and ensures that players have more choice in playing their favorite games. However, the merger still faces regulatory hurdles, including an upcoming review by the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft would have significant implications for the gaming industry, as it combines two major players in the market. Overall, this agreement between Microsoft and Sony aims to provide gamers with continued access to Call of Duty and preserve competition in the gaming market.
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