With Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard currently being scrutinized by regulatory bodies all over the world, the companies involved have been putting forth arguments to allay concerns of how competition could be impacted if the deal were allowed to go through. Sony, in particular, has thrown a wrench into the works for the proceedings, with potential exclusivity of the Call of Duty franchise being a major talking point.
Microsoft recently confirmed it has signed legally binding agreements with both Nintendo and Nvidia for GeForce Now that will see Call of Duty games being released for their platforms day and date and with full parity for at least the next ten years. A similar deal is on the table for Sony as well, and though it has yet to be signed, Microsoft believes it is more beneficial for Sony than the existing deal it has in place with Activision.
Microsoft President Brad Smith shared the same opinion in a recent interview with CNBC, while also confirming that Sony’s current deal with Activision – which also includes exclusive in-game bonuses for PlayStation audiences and marketing rights – is set to expire next year (contrary to previous reports that claimed the deal will run until 2025).
“What we’re offering to Sony [is] the same thing we’ve offered to Nintendo and to Nvidia, especially for Call of Duty- a 10-year agreement, legally binding, so that when we bring out a new version of Call of Duty on Xbox, it will be available on Sony PlayStation on the same day, on the same terms, with the same features,” Smith said. “It really ensures parity. I think everybody who’s looked at this would say it’s a better deal for Sony than the one they have right now with Activision Blizzard that will expire next year.”
Activision has previously confirmed that 2023 will see the launch of another full-fledged Call of Duty title, as opposed to what has been suggested in earlier leaks. Reports have claimed that the game is being developed by Sledgehammer Games, and will be out in November. Meanwhile, 2024’s Call of Duty game, which is allegedly being developed by Treyarch, has also been subject to leaks in recent months.
Smith recently also confirmed that Microsoft and Sony are not yet close to agreeing a deal over Call of Duty releases with regards to the former’s proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition.
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