Still in this context of expectation in the face of the conclusions of the CMA expected on April 26, Microsoft and Sony are engaged in an unprecedented media and diplomatic duel. Microsoft said today that the versions of Call of Duty intended for Sony consoles could prove to be better optimized but this is not the only argument that Microsoft has to try to advance the acquisition.
10 years of access to Call of Duty, enough to develop a new FPS at Sony?
These new statements come from Microsoft’s response to the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The Redmond firm renews its desire to release each new Call of Duty game available on PlayStation on the same day as on Xbox for a period of ten years, with full parity in terms of content and features.
Nevertheless, Microsoft also claims that 10 years would be enough for Sony to develop a competitor or at least a serious alternative to Call of Duty in response to one of the CMA’s questions:
“Microsoft considers 10 years to be sufficient for Sony, as a leading console publisher and platform, to develop alternatives to CoD.
The 10-year period will extend to the next generation of consoles. Additionally, the practical effect of the fix will extend beyond the 10-year period, as games downloaded within the last year of the fix will be able to continue to be played for the life of that console. (and beyond, thanks to backwards compatibility).”
When we know the cultural impact and the popularity of the Call of Duty license, we can ask ourselves questions about this new assertion from Microsoft. Sony explained on the contrary that it would be impossible to replace Call of Duty if the license disappeared from its consoles and this remark seems rather realistic.
This is certainly not the best argument of the Redmond firm but it will be necessary to wait for the verdict of the CMA which must decide on the agreement by April 26.
To find all the key points of the Activision Blizzard and Microsoft affair, we advise you to watch our summary video to understand everything about the issues surrounding the takeover of Activision-Blizzard by Microsoft, as well as our complete file on the subject.