Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer announced in a tweet on Sunday that Microsoft signs an agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation which has significant implications for the gaming industry.
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.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) July 16, 2023
With the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on competition. However, this deal to maintain Call of Duty on PlayStation alleviates some of those concerns.
In a tweet, Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring widespread availability of Call of Duty across multiple platforms, stating, “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.”
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… https://t.co/hMWjC58wRi
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) July 16, 2023
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had expressed apprehensions about the acquisition, arguing that it would be detrimental to consumers, irrespective of whether they played video games on consoles or subscribed to gaming services. The concern stemmed from Microsoft potentially having an incentive to exclude competitors such as Sony Group (6758.T).
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To address these concerns and demonstrate their commitment to fair competition, Microsoft had previously agreed to license “Call of Duty” to rival companies. As part of this effort, they had secured a 10-year contract with Nintendo, contingent on the successful completion of the merger. This agreement aimed to ensure that Call of Duty would be available on Nintendo platforms in the future.
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As Microsoft signs agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation, Microsoft is taking another step towards fostering a more inclusive gaming landscape. This move signals their willingness to work with rival companies and underscores their dedication to providing gamers with diverse platform choices and greater accessibility to popular titles like Call of Duty.
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