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The popular Call of Duty game will maintain its position on the PlayStation console due to an agreement reached by industry titans Microsoft and Sony. This mutually beneficial agreement marks the end of their intense rivalry, ensuring gamers continue to have the choice of platform for their favorite title.
Microsoft's Landmark Acquisition and the PlayStation Pact
Microsoft's takeover of game publisher Activision Blizzard had stirred controversy, inciting calls for its blockage. However, a U.S. court recently rejected these petitions, clearing the way for the tech giant to proceed.
This historic acquisition, announced initially in early 2022, created a considerable buzz within the gaming industry and sparked concerns over the future availability of games like Call of Duty on non-Microsoft platforms.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed that an agreement with Sony has been reached, one that would allow Call of Duty to retain its place on the PlayStation platform. On Twitter, Spencer announced, “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”.
Commitment to Consumer Choice and Regulatory Scrutiny
Reiterating Microsoft's commitment to appeasing regulators, platform and game developers, and consumers, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith tweeted, “From Day One of this acquisition, we’ve been committed to addressing the concerns...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”.
As per confirmed reports to the BBC, Microsoft has penned a ten-year deal with Sony, mirroring their existing agreement with Nintendo.
The $69 Billion Acquisition and Global Impact
Valued at $69 billion, Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is poised to be the largest of its kind in gaming history.
Despite the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) unsuccessful attempt to block this venture, the process has divided regulators globally. The European Union has given the nod to the merger, while the case is still under review in the UK.
With the court denying the FTC's bid to temporarily halt the merger, it seems the implementation of the deal could happen sooner rather than later. This decisive move marks a new era in the gaming industry, as console giants put consumer choice at the forefront.