Microsoft and Sony form partnership to extend Call of Duty’s exclusivity on PlayStation for a decade

Microsoft President Brad Smith took to Twitter to reassure fans that “Call of Duty” will continue to be available on multiple platforms. He expressed Microsoft’s commitment to reaching more consumers than ever before. Initially, Sony rejected Microsoft’s proposal to keep “Call of Duty” exclusively on the PlayStation for the next decade. Sony Interactive Entertainment chief Jim Ryan was more interested in canceling the Xbox-Activision deal rather than accepting Microsoft’s offer to keep the popular franchise on PlayStation.

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… https://t.co/hMWjC58wRi

— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) July 16, 2023

Sony’s stance quickly changed following the resolution of their differences with Microsoft. This occurred after the U.S. Federal Trade Commission approved the blockbuster acquisition. Activision spokesperson Lulu Cheng Meservey quoted Sony Interactive Entertainment chief Jim Ryan as saying, “I don’t want a new ‘Call of Duty’ deal. I just want to block your merger.” Nonetheless, it seems that both parties have reached an agreement.

Despite the progress, Microsoft still faces challenges. The Federal Trade Commission plans to appeal the court’s ruling, and Microsoft intends to challenge the regulatory body’s attempt to block the deal. On the other hand, the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority has extended the deadline for its decision on the acquisition until August 29. Given that Sony, one of the most prominent opponents of the deal, has now signed a deal on the contentious property, it is probable that the U.K.’s competition regulator will also approve the acquisition due to the changing circumstances.