Microsoft accuses Sony of preventing games from coming to Game Pass in an effort to hinder its growth in the gaming industry.
Microsoft claimed before Brazilian authorities this week that Call of Duty was not a necessary gaming franchise, while Sony contended that it was. Microsoft accused Sony of attempting to “inhibit growth” of Game Pass in the latest phase of the Activision Blizzard takeover crisis unfolding in Brazil. Microsoft has been attempting to persuade regulatory bodies across the world that its acquisition of Activision Blizzard is not unfair to its gaming competitors.
According to The Verge, Sony pays developers not to put their games on the Xbox maker’s subscription service. In an August 9 filing, Microsoft stated:
“Microsoft’s ability to continue expanding Game Pass has been hampered by Sony’s desire to inhibit such growth,”
“Sony pays for ‘blocking rights’ to prevent developers from adding content to Game Pass and other competing subscription services.”
Microsoft accuses Sony of preventing games from coming to Game Pass
Platform exclusivity agreements are standard in the gaming business, and it’s unclear if this relates to a condition that prevents titles from appearing on Xbox services during the exclusive period, or to tighter terms. A document connected to PlayStation exclusivity was leaked by Capcom, and page three states that exclusives cannot appear on competitors to PlayStation subscription services. Google Stadia, Game Pass, and other comparable services were among them.
Sony has previously criticized Microsoft’s dominance in the gaming industry. Just last week, the console manufacturer told CADE that Call of Duty was an “essential game” that no one could compete with. Microsoft disagreed and methodically laid forth examples of Sony’s preference for exclusivity with their big-name games in this new submission.
Since someone revealed translations of the Administrative Council For Economic Defense (CADE) sessions on ResetEra, gamers have speculated on whether the publishers’ accusations are valid or not. It’s a touchy subject since Activision Blizzard’s takeover will surely have a seismic impact on the gaming industry, yet neither platform holder’s hands are clean. Following the announcement of Microsoft’s acquisition of the Call of Duty publisher, Sony pursued its own large acquisition of Bungie, the maker of Destiny 2.
We hope that you enjoyed this article on Microsoft accuses Sony of preventing games from coming to Game Pass. If you did, we are sure that you will also enjoy reading our other articles, such as Netflix is partnering with Microsoft, or new Sony InZone M9 monitor is on its way.
