Microsoft Corp. has announced a “binding agreement” to ensure that Activision Blizzard Inc.’s popular video game franchise, “Call of Duty,” will continue to be available on Sony Corp.’s PlayStation platform after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision is finalized.
While specific details about the agreement have not been disclosed, various media reports suggest that the deal is set for a duration of 10 years and is applicable exclusively to the “Call of Duty” franchise. This arrangement resembles a previous deal struck between Microsoft and Nintendo earlier this year. When contacted for comment, Microsoft did not immediately respond.
Since the announcement of Microsoft’s merger with videogame maker Activision in early 2022, concerns have been raised by Sony and regulators regarding the possibility of Microsoft keeping Activision’s most popular games exclusive to Xbox, as Microsoft owns the Xbox gaming platform.
However, Microsoft President Brad Smith took to Twitter on Sunday to affirm their commitment to address regulators’ concerns, as well as those of platform and game developers, and consumers alike. Smith stated, “From Day One of this acquisition, we’ve been committed to addressing the concerns of regulators, platform and game developers, and consumers. 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.”