Xbox players will miss out on big licenses, an unfair situation according to Microsoft while Sony accuses them of the same title.
Tensions between Microsoft and Sony are not about to ease. The takeover of Activision Blizzard by the Redmond firm is still in full swing and continues to sour the relationship between the two manufacturers. On the one hand, Sony mourns a possible departure from the license Call of Duty of its consoles. On the other, Microsoft is trying to reassure the Japanese giant and the international authorities by showing good will. After having unveiled several deals aimed at perpetuating the FPS license on PlayStation, Sony remains unmoved and holds its positions.
Visibly tired of this stagnant situation and a possible ban on the acquisition process, Microsoft decides to pull out its claws and reveal a few secrets. It is not difficult to understand Sony’s position in this case, because Call of Duty is a juggernaut in terms of viewership. However, it is more complicated to defend the manufacturer’s statements when we learn the latest news shared by Xbox in a press release to the Competition and Markets Authority (spotted by Korea Xbox News).
Do as I say, not as I do
Sharing is important, but only if it works one way. Today, we learn that Sony alerts the authorities for unfair competition, but plays in this same court. If you have an Xbox, don’t expect to find out Final Fantasy XVI or Silent Hill 2 remake. Players are used to exclusives, it’s not a new concept in the industry. For Microsoft, the problem lies in the canvassing of third-party publishers and studios that Sony undertakes:
“In addition to getting fully exclusive content, Sony enters into negotiations with third-party publishers that involve excluding Xbox from the list of platforms on which developers can publish their game.“
Sony is therefore tough on business and does not hesitate to deprive Microsoft of some of the biggest licenses in the industry that the Redmond firm has allowed itself to list:
“Some glaring examples include Final Fantasy VII Remake, Bloodborne, the upcoming Final Fantasy XVI, and the newly announced Silent Hill 2 Remake.“
Good that FFXVI et Silent Hill 2 were announced as temporary exclusives, it would seem that the Xbox is still left on the sidelines. Only PC players will also be able to enjoy these titles. It only remains to be seen if this new attack from Microsoft can tip the scales in the case of the takeover of Activision Blizzard, but it is especially betting that Sony risks sulking…