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In a pivotal move aimed at appeasing competition concerns, Microsoft Corporation and Sony Group Corporation have secured a deal ensuring Activision Blizzard's popular "Call of Duty" remains on PlayStation, even as Microsoft's proposed $69 billion merger with the video game giant nears completion.
Microsoft and Sony's deal will ensure that the popular "Call of Duty" will remain playable on the latter's PlayStation gaming console. The agreement comes as the former is closer to sealing its $69 billion merger agreement with Activision Blizzard.
As per CNN Business, the contract may also stand as a resolution to persistent complaints by Sony that says the merger is a threat to competition in the video gaming industry. This is because the merger is set to make Microsoft the third-largest video game publisher in the world.
The arrangement was also confirmed by the head of Microsoft's Xbox, Phil Spencer, on Sunday, July 16. Via tweet, the executive stated, "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 choices to play their favorite games."
Before the deal, it was noted that Sony had been one of the leading critics of the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard acquisition agreement. It said many issues could arise if the merger proceeds; one example is the possibility of "Call of Duty" being pulled out from other companies. Still, the companies' latest deal has already resolved this issue.
Then again, CNBC reported that Microsoft and Sony did not disclose the agreed duration of their agreement, but the former's spokesperson said the signed contract is long-term. While the merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard seems to be going smoothly, it is not yet fully certain if the companies can close the deal.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can still appeal to block the acquisition. Still, Microsoft and Activision hope to finally complete the transaction by July. 18.
Photo by: Fábio Magalhães/Unsplash
