July 17, 2023 – In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft and Sony PlayStation have announced a groundbreaking agreement that ensures the continued presence of the beloved game franchise “Call of Duty” on the PlayStation platform. This unprecedented deal, which spans over a remarkable 10-year period, signifies a significant milestone in the gaming industry.
Breaking the mold of previous agreements, this partnership between Microsoft and Sony closely resembles the visionary collaboration witnessed in the past between Microsoft and Nintendo. It stands apart from Microsoft’s previous “mutually beneficial, mutually concessional” arrangement with NVIDIA.
Moreover, this newly forged agreement exhibits notable deviations from the initial proposal Microsoft submitted to Sony back in January 2022. The original proposal centered around the preservation of all Activision games, including any existing titles on the PlayStation platform, as well as future installments of the renowned “Call of Duty” series until December 31, 2027.
Notably, Microsoft had extended an additional 10-year contract offer to Sony in late 2022, guaranteeing the presence of the “Call of Duty” franchise on the PlayStation platform. However, Sony rejected this proposition, citing concerns over receiving a diluted version exclusively tailored for PlayStation.
Jim Ryan, the head of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), had previously expressed his reservations about engaging in any deal related to “Call of Duty.” Sony believed that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard violated antitrust laws, and therefore, they hoped regulatory bodies would intervene to prevent Microsoft’s actions.
However, the recent FTC ruling against such intervention and the confirmation of renegotiations with Microsoft by the CMA have changed the landscape. Sony’s signing of the contract now signifies the end of the prolonged battle between the two companies regarding the fate of the “Call of Duty” franchise.
In this unexpected turn of events, gamers and fans alike can look forward to experiencing the next thrilling chapter of “Call of Duty” on the PlayStation platform, assuring an exciting future for the franchise’s loyal following. The agreement between Microsoft and Sony not only demonstrates the potential for collaboration between gaming giants but also sets a precedent for industry-wide partnerships in the years to come.
