In an unexpected twist of fate, two gaming giants, Sony and Microsoft, have recently announced a groundbreaking partnership that is set to reshape the gaming landscape. The agreement outlines a 10-year deal granting Microsoft exclusive rights to the Call of Duty franchise on Sony’s PlayStation consoles. This monumental collaboration, while surprising to some, holds immense potential to redefine the gaming industry and deliver an unprecedented experience to millions of players worldwide.
Microsoft and Sony have put aside their differences and reached an agreement to keep the popular Call of Duty franchise on PlayStation consoles. This decision comes after a lengthy dispute over Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer announced the news on Twitter, expressing his excitement for a future where players have more options to enjoy their favorite games.
In related news, Microsoft successfully fended off the US Federal Trade Commission’s attempt to block their $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the regulator’s request for an emergency stay, allowing the deal to proceed in the US. While the United Kingdom’s Markets and Competition Authority (CMA) stands as the last significant opponent to the purchase, Microsoft and the watchdog have agreed to pause their legal battle and work towards a compromise.
Microsoft President and Vice Chair Brad Smith expressed a commitment to addressing the concerns of regulators, platform and game developers, and consumers from the beginning of the acquisition process. The focus will remain on making sure Call of Duty is available on more platforms and for more consumers even after the deal is approved.
The terms of Microsoft’s deal with Sony have not been disclosed, but it has been confirmed to be a 10-year agreement. Microsoft initially offered Sony the same 10-year deal to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation consoles, but Sony declined. To gain approval from regulators, Microsoft made agreements with Nintendo and cloud gaming providers like NVIDIA to bring the series to their consoles.
Sony’s President and CEO, Jim Ryan, was initially against the Activision bid by Microsoft. However, with the purchase likely to move forward, Sony had no choice but to come to terms with its rival.