The recent announcement reveals that Microsoft and Sony have reached a deal to keep the Call of Duty franchise on PlayStation consoles following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The agreement ensures that Call of Duty will continue to be available on PlayStation platforms for the foreseeable future. The duration of the deal is reported to be 10 years.
This agreement comes after Microsoft successfully defended its acquisition of Activision Blizzard against the US Federal Trade Commission’s attempt to halt the deal. While the United Kingdom’s Markets and Competition Authority (CMA) remains opposed to the acquisition, Microsoft and the CMA have put their legal battle on hold to seek a compromise.
Both Microsoft and Sony have expressed their commitment to addressing regulatory concerns and ensuring that Call of Duty remains available on multiple platforms for a wide range of consumers. The terms of the deal between Microsoft and Sony have not been disclosed, but it is a significant development in securing the future of the popular gaming franchise on PlayStation consoles.
Previously, Sony had voiced strong opposition to Microsoft’s bid for Activision Blizzard, expressing concerns about the merger’s anti-competitive nature. However, with the deal proceeding, Sony likely had no choice but to come to terms with its rival in order to ensure the availability of the Call of Duty series on its platforms.