Microsoft has agreed to keep the “Call of Duty” video game series on Sony’s PlayStation after getting the final go-ahead to buy Activision Blizzard. The two game platforms are in constant competition to keep game series exclusive, but not this time. The head of Microsoft’s Xbox division, Phil Spencer, assures the company would keep the game on both platforms.
“We look forward to a future where players globally have more choice to play their favorite games,” Spencer said in a tweet.
“Call of Duty” has been at the center of tug-o-war between the two companies since Microsoft first announced their plan to purchase Activision Blizzard, the company that makes the game series. As Microsoft attempted to persuade regulators around the world to approve the merger, they were also in talks with Nintendo and other cloud gaming providers. Microsoft offered deals to license game from Activision Blizzard for 10 years, a deal that PlayStation has finally agreed to.
Microsoft was able to continue with their purchase of Activision Blizzard after the U.S. Appeals Court rejected a bid from federal regulators to block the merger. Microsoft first struck a deal with Activision Blizzard in January 2022, in hopes to expand the imprint Xbox has left on the video game world. The last few months Microsoft has been seeking regulatory approval, following objections from PlayStation, who feared losing the “must-have” game series.
While speaking with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission during the legal dispute of Microsoft acquiring Activision, Sony Executive Jim Ryan said he had little worry about the merger. He later came to believe that Microsoft would potentially leverage the popularity of “Call of Duty,” to give PlayStation a disadvantage, possibly even downgrading the experience for the rival platform users.
While Sony has not yet given a statement, Microsoft has confirmed that the deal will last for 10 years. Microsoft President Brad Smith says the company will be looking to ensure “Call of Duty” is available for more platforms.
Microsoft must close the deal with Activision Blizzard by Tuesday, July 18th, or will pay a penalty of $3 billion.
