In an extensively drafted response to the UK Competition and Markets Authority in relation to it Proposed $69 billion acquisition of Activision BlizzardMicrosoft has insisted that Sony will be able to create its own Call of Duty alternative within 10 years.
Microsoft Newly published document It was introduced in response to the CMA’s recent therapy session, which discussed the terms the regulator might insist on before approving a deal. While largely redacted, the document mostly presents Microsoft’s arguments for why the proposed 10-year deal with Sony to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation and the deals signed with Nvidia are enough to address the CMA’s concerns.
In the midst of all this, however, there is also a statement from Microsoft that 10 years should be enough for Sony to create a Call of Duty competitor, masking the rather obvious fact that Activision’s shooter had more than 20 years to build this type of game. The brand recognition built into the top-tier gaming franchise that it is today.
“Microsoft believes that a period of 10 years is sufficient for Sony, as the leading console platform and publisher, to develop alternatives to CoD,” the company told the CMA. The 10-year period will extend to the next generation of consoles.” [Redacted]. “
“Furthermore,” he adds, “the practical effect of the cure will extend beyond the ten-year period, as games downloaded in the last year of the cure can continue to be played for the life of the console (and beyond, compatibility).”
Of course, it’s tempting to read this statement as a tacit acknowledgment that Microsoft does indeed plan to banish Call of Duty forever from an Xbox exclusivity once the 10 years are up, but shortly thereafter insists once again that such a move wouldn’t make sense.
“CoD is an entertainment franchise that’s almost 20 years old,” he writes. “[Redacted]Microsoft will need to secure the franchise’s widest distribution and will have strong incentives to keep it on the PlayStation platform.” [Redacted]. Microsoft believes that, having kept CoD on PlayStation and growing its player base on Nintendo, GeForce Now, and other cloud gaming platforms for a decade, it will have no incentive, or even the ability, to carry CoD exclusively. “
The CMA will announce its decision on Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard on April 26, while the European Union – which is currently trying to get feedback from competitors and customers – will She will finalize her decision on May 22. Microsoft recently got a chance Examine a treasure trove of internal documents Inside Sony for assistance in the ongoing lawsuit with the FTC.
