Sony and Microsoft have agreed to keep the Call of Duty franchise on PlayStation consoles. This “binding agreement” signifies an end to the bitter battle between the two tech giants since Microsoft announced its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard in January 2022.
The news was first revealed by Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, who took to Twitter to announce the agreement. “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,” he wrote. Spencer’s statement also expressed optimism for a future in which players worldwide will have increased choices to play their favorite games.
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
Brad Smith, Microsoft President, further emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing the concerns of regulators, platform and game developers, and consumers. Smith stated, “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
This agreement signifies a positive outcome for gamers, who can now be assured that one of the most prominent and beloved game franchises will continue to be available on the PlayStation platform. Furthermore, it showcases a willingness from both Sony and Microsoft to collaborate and prioritize the satisfaction of their respective customer bases.
The gaming industry has recently witnessed several high-profile acquisitions and partnerships, with companies vying for market dominance and exclusivity. This agreement serves as a testament to the changing dynamics within the industry, as significant players recognize the value of collaboration and catering to the diverse preferences of gamers worldwide.
As Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard moves closer to completion, it will be interesting to observe how the new partnership influences the future.
