Call of Duty is still available on PlayStation Plus (PS Plus). As Microsoft is attempting to acquire Activision Blizzard, they made a promise to Sony regarding the Call of Duty franchise. A part of this promise involves the game remaining available to PlayStation consoles for ten years.
Also, Nintendo agreed to the ten-year deal by Microsoft to put the game on Nintendo devices. Meanwhile, Valve head, Gabe Newell, says he didn’t need the contract but is happy to work with Microsoft after the deal closes.
Sony’s Response
However, the game’s availability rests on Sony’s response to this offer. They have yet to accept the offer and have even raised concerns to UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) about it. There is a reason why Sony has no response.
The offer to include the rights to the PlayStation Plus raises a few questions. It is because Microsoft has its growing subscription service — the Xbox Game Pass. The pass is significantly ahead of the PS Plus in numbers.
Microsoft’s Biggest Roadblock: The PlayStation Plus
Although fans remain excited, Sony’s delayed response is the biggest roadblock in the acquisition. The Xbox Game Pass dramatically changed the status quo for video games. Fans can only assume that the Xbox subscription service was the reason for the deal.
However, it is at Sony’s expense. The original offer was a three-year deal which Sony automatically rejected. Ten years was for Microsoft to sweeten the deal with their rivals. Even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is not happy regarding the purchase of Activision Blizzard.
According to the FTC, the investigation shows that the acquisition may reduce the competition. If we step back and think about it, Microsoft can engage in foreclosure strategies toward rival distributors.
What Can We Expect for Call of Duty?
There will be significant changes in the details of the offer. While the acquisition continues, the FTC and CMA will investigate how the deal becomes balanced. Sony has the right to decline because the offer seems unfair to them.
They can even pursue more changes in a way that benefits them. We’ll let you know once we can get further updates on this news. However, it’s safe to say that Sony is not happy. If you want to read more, be sure to keep visiting our website.
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