Microsoft Position on Activision and Exclusivity for Games .

Introduction

The gaming industry is suffering from the implications of Microsoft's enormous acquisition of Activision, and one of the most pressing concerns has been the future of the Call of Duty game, which has been a smash hit on both PlayStation and Xbox machines. While we don't know where the latest Call of Duty games would be available if the deal goes through, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer believes the franchise has a future on Sony platforms.

"Had some excellent talks with Sony leaders this week," Spencer stated Thursday evening. "Upon the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, I confirmed our intention to uphold all current agreements, as well as our wish to preserve Call of Duty on PlayStation." We respect our partnership with Sony since it is such an essential element of our industry." (Peters, 2022)

Issue in Hand

That remark leaves the possibility that Call of Duty may remain an Xbox-only series.Microsoft has shown a willingness to turn its acquisitions into exclusives: it’s planning to release Bethesda Softworks’ upcoming game Starfield only on Xbox and PC, and Spencer has hinted that will be the case for The Elder Scrolls VI as well. That approach would make sense, especially as a way to help beef up its Game Pass subscription service.

Conclusion

Activision Blizzard has stated that existing titles would not be removed off PlayStation, stating that "all existing obligations post closing" will be honoured. Bobby Kotick will continue to lead Activision Blizzard as CEO. Microsoft has made it clear that they want to preserve and grow the value that Activision Blizzard brings, and that includes the talented team at Activision Blizzard.(Coindipender, 2022) However, the purchase is still a long way off; it isn't scheduled to finalise until the end of Microsoft's fiscal year in 2023, which ends in June 2023.However, if Activision finally joins Microsoft, future Call of Duty games for the PlayStation appear to be more likely to arrive on your Sony machine.

References

1. Peters, J., 2022. MSN. [online] Msn.com. Available at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/microsoft-gaming-ceo-phil-spencer-wants-to-e2-80-98keep-call-of-duty-on-playstation-e2-80-99/ar-AASZ7Fj [Accessed 21 January 2022].

2. Coindipender. 2022. Activision Blizzard Files Q&A with SEC "won't remove existing games from PlayStation". [online] Available at: https://coindipender.com/activision-blizzard-files-qa-with-sec-wont-remove-existing-games-from-playstation/ [Accessed 21 January 2022].