Sony has accepted Microsoft’s offer to ensure that Call of Duty remains on par with Xbox for the next 10 years. This comes after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a move that Sony initially criticized as it threatened competition. However, Microsoft responded by offering Sony a contractual obligation to continue bringing Call of Duty to PlayStation. While Sony initially found this offer insufficient, Microsoft has now confirmed that the agreement will last for a decade. This is the same length as Microsoft’s agreement with Nintendo for Call of Duty to appear on the Switch console. These agreements are aimed at convincing competition watchdogs that Microsoft’s acquisition will not immediately hinder competition. However, it is still unclear if new PlayStation titles will be released simultaneously with the Xbox versions.
Although the acquisition is not yet complete, the process is nearing its end. The FTC appeal against the takeover has been denied, allowing Microsoft to proceed with acquiring Activision Blizzard. The US competition authorities had filed a lawsuit against it, but a US court has rejected their appeal. Other international authorities, including the EU Commission, have already approved the deal. From a US perspective, Microsoft has until July 18 to finalize the $69 billion deal, with the possibility of agreeing on a new deadline if both parties consent. The British antitrust authority, Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), is currently blocking the deal, but Microsoft is making progress in negotiations with them. The deadline for a decision has been pushed to August 29 to allow the CMA more time to consider Microsoft’s proposed modifications.
