Microsoft continues to edge closer to closing its proposed $69 billion acquitision of Activision Blizzard, and has taken another step forward in that process. After having signed agreements with multiple companies over recent months that will see Activision Blizzard titles releasing for their platforms even after the acquisition has been completed, the compay has now also finally signed a similar agreement with Sony.
The announcement was made by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer on Twitter, who confirmed that Microsoft and Sony have signed a “binding” agreement that will see Call of Duty games continuing to release for PlayStation consoles following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
“We look forward to a future where players globally have more choice to play their favourite games,” Spencer wrote.
Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote in a separate message, “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 more platforms and for more consumers than ever before.”
Xbox’s head of global communications Kari Perez has also confirmed to The Verge that the deal will span a 10-year period. It’s also been confirmed that the deal will only cover Call of Duty, and no other Activision Blizzard titles.
Microsoft originally offered a 10-year agreement to Sony late last year, after signing similar agreements with the likes of Nvidia, Nintendo, and more, however, the deal was turned down by Sony. Prior to that, a much shorter deal covering a three-year period had also already been turned down. Earlier this year, it was reported that PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan wasn’t interested in securing a better Call of Duty deal, only in ensuring that the acquisition was blocked.
Recently, the FTC was denied an in injunction against Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, while a follow-up appeal against the verdict has also been denied. Microsoft is currently also in the process of negotiating terms for the deal with the UK’s CMA, though the regulator recently pushed back the deadline for its final decision regarding the acquisition until August 29.
We are pleased to announce that Microsoft and @PlayStation have signed a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. We look forward to a future where players globally have more choice to play their favorite games.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) July 16, 2023
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
