Sony ensures Call of Duty stays on PlayStation

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
17 Jul 2023 15:16

The fate of Call of Duty has raised concerns among regulators and investors regarding Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion.

Boxes advertising the installment of the blockbuster video game Call of Duty are displayed in a GameStop store in New York City. (AFP)

Microsoft and Sony have announced a new agreement concerning the popular video game franchise, Call of Duty. The deal ensures that Call of Duty will continue to be available on Sony PlayStation for another decade, even if Microsoft successfully acquires Activision Blizzard, the company behind the game.

The fate of Call of Duty had raised concerns among regulators and investors regarding Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. Questions were raised about whether Microsoft would make the game exclusive to Xbox and PC, potentially impacting PlayStation sales. However, Microsoft has consistently assured that Call of Duty will remain on PlayStation and be expanded to more platforms. Specific details about the agreement are limited, but Sony representatives have confirmed its duration.

The announcement comes after an appeals court denied the Federal Trade Commission's attempt to further delay the merger. Final decisions on the merger are still pending from regulators, including those in the UK who initially blocked the deal but have indicated potential reconsideration.

Microsoft's bid for Activision Blizzard is approaching its expiration, but an extension remains a possibility. If the acquisition goes through, it will have significant implications for the gaming industry, positioning Microsoft as one of the largest employers of game developers and a leading third-party publisher on PlayStation.