- Xbox head Phil Spencer announced a strategic alliance between Microsoft and Sony PlayStation, encapsulated in a “binding agreement” to retain Call of Duty on PlayStation despite the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
- While the specifics of the “binding agreement” are undisclosed, it was confirmed in the aftermath of Microsoft’s FTC trial where Spencer vowed to do whatever necessary to maintain Call of Duty on PlayStation.
- Rumors from December 2022 suggested a ten-year Call of Duty retention on PlayStation and the possibility of its presence on PlayStation Plus, but the exact terms agreed upon by Microsoft and Sony remain unconfirmed.
- The agreement is part of Microsoft’s efforts to finalize its massive $68.7 billion deal, facing a looming deadline of July 18; failure to comply could mean a $3 billion payout to Activision Blizzard and a potential renegotiation of merger terms.
In a groundbreaking disclosure, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, has proclaimed that a strategic alliance has been formalized between Microsoft and Sony PlayStation. The purpose of this mutual accord is encapsulated in an original statement: both have “signed a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.”
Call of Duty is securing its spot on Sony PlayStation
Spencer used the global platform of Twitter to broadcast this monumental piece of news. Furthermore, he conveyed his anticipation for a prospective era where the power of choice is vested in the hands of the players, concerning their preferred gaming platforms. The focus remains on the beloved game, Call of Duty, and its continued presence on Sony’s PlayStation, thereby reassuring loyal players worldwide.
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
Phil Spencer refrained from disclosing any further information concerning the “binding agreement”, hence the duration and the exact terms of the agreement remain a mystery. This news comes in the wake of Microsoft’s FTC trial, where Spencer emphatically affirmed his commitment, promising to “do whatever it takes” to maintain Call of Duty’s availability on PlayStation.
“I’m making a commitment standing here that we will not pull Call of Duty – it is my testimony – from PlayStation. As you said, Sony obviously has to allow us to ship the game on their platform. But absent any of that, my commitment is, and my testimony is that we will continue to ship future versions of Call of Duty on Sony’s PlayStation 5.”
-Spencer
The industry was rife with rumors in December 2022 that Microsoft’s proposition to Sony involved retaining Call of Duty on PlayStation for a decade. Sony, in turn, was said to have been granted the liberty to feature Call of Duty on PlayStation Plus, if they deemed fit. It is yet to be established whether these speculations reflect the actual terms agreed upon by these two tech giants, or if there have been any alterations since.
This development is but one of many strategies employed by Microsoft in a bid to finalize its colossal $68.7 billion deal. Such moves are aimed to placate various stakeholders, including the FTC and CMA, who have expressed reservations about the agreement. The urgency to close the deal is palpable, with the looming deadline of July 18. Failure to meet this deadline will compel Xbox to disburse $3 billion to Activision Blizzard, potentially leading to the renegotiation of their merger terms.
As we observe the uncharted waters Microsoft navigates, the undertow of the industry’s most colossal deal hangs in the balance. The future of Call of Duty on PlayStation is not just a pivotal component but a testament to the evolving industry dynamics. The next step depends on the contents of the elusive “binding agreement” and the ticking clock to the July 18 deadline, which could reshape the gaming landscape as we know it.
Featured image credit: Battle.net
