The soap opera that Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard has become is going on for a long time. As it is one of the most important operations in the video game industry, it is under the scrutiny from regulators from different markets. In addition, there are those who have positioned themselves for and against the plans of those from Redmond.
Sony is part of the group that is not happy with the multi-million dollar operation. The company fears losing ‘Call of Duty’, a title considered “irreplaceable”. In response to these concerns, Microsoft proposed a deal for the beloved series to continue coming to Play Station for 10 years, but it hasn’t been long enough for the Japanese.
An obstacle in Microsoft’s plans
The fact that Sony expresses its concerns in relation to Activision’s action video game series is an obstacle for Microsoft to receive the go-ahead from the UK regulator, also known as CMA for its acronym in English. However, according to a document seen by VCG, those responsible for Xbox have defended their proposal.
“Microsoft considers that a period of 10 years is sufficient for Sony, as a leading publisher and console platform, to develop alternatives to CoD,” the US giant said. In this sense, he has also pointed out that for practical purposes the franchise will remain for a long time, more than 10 years on PlayStation consoles.
“Games downloaded in the last year of the agreement can continue to be played during the lifespan of that console (and beyond, with backwards compatibility).”
As we can see, those from Redmond are trying to defend tooth and nail the purchase of Activision Blizzard, an operation that, if approved by the regulators, will result in an investment of 68.7 billion dollars and will leave the important industry titles such as ‘Call of Duty’ or ‘World of Warcraft’.
The CMA is concerned that the aforementioned operation translates into a scenario in which Sony sees reduced abilities to compete versus Microsoft. At the moment, it should be noted, we do not know the response of the regulator as well as what is the position that the creators of PlayStation will take before this last chapter of the soap opera.
Sony had previously said it would relent under one condition: that Microsoft get rid of ‘Call of Duty’. The argument? That it is an elementary piece for your business. For years it has been among the best sellers for consoles and for Sony it is not only about that point. For them, the franchise is so popular that it “influences users’ choice of console.”
Microsoft’s efforts to please regulators, let’s remember, have not only gone through ensuring that ‘Call of Duty’ will continue to be available on PlayStation for 10 years. They also include expand game presence to other platforms. In fact, it has already signed deals with Nintendo, NVIDIA, Steam, and others.
This movement, calculated to the millimeter, has resulted in an important benefit for Microsoft in their battle, and that benefit is called allies. The public messages of the companies that are now part of the Redmond camp make it clear, for example, that of the graphics card giant.
“The partnership provides more choice for gamers and addresses NVIDIA’s concerns with Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Therefore, NVIDIA offer your full support for regulatory approval of the acquisition,” the company said in a statement.
Images: Activision
In Xataka: Microsoft reinforces its offensive and allies with NVIDIA to bring Xbox and Activision games to GeForce NOW
In Xataka: Microsoft agrees the arrival of ‘Call of Duty’ to Switch: a colossal step for its games to arrive outside of Xbox
