Just five days ago we learned that Microsoft won the FTC lawsuit and that it can already buy – although the United Kingdom continues to oppose it – Activision Blizzard King. Now, the video game industry rises with a statement from Phill Spencer —Microsoft’s ‘gaming’ CEO—, which ends up confirming the purchase of Activision Blizzard King by Microsoft. It should be noted that previously, it was known that Microsoft proposed an agreement to Sony for 10 years. However, at the time, Jim Ryan -CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment- called it “inadequate on many levels.”
Phill Spencer confirms on Sunday morning June 16 an agreement with Sony for COD to continue on PlayStation
“We are pleased to announce that Microsoft and PlayStation have entered into a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty on PS after the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. We envision a future where gamers around the world have more options to play their favorite titles.”
These statements by Phill Spencer, in which he confirms the agreement with Sony, were seconded by that of the vice president and president of Microsoft Braad Smith.
Smith said “from day one of this acquisition, we have been committed to addressing the concerns of regulators, platform and game developers, and consumers.” In addition, he added, “Even after we cross the finish line for the approval of this agreement, we will remain focused on ensuring that Call of Duty
What is missing to formalize the purchase of Activision Blizzard King by Microsoft?
Following the ruling in favor of Microsoft last week, the Commission attempted to appeal the court’s decision, but was denied. The only remaining hurdle to closing the global purchase is approval by the UK Markets and Competition Authority. However, the latest statements from Microsoft executives make it clear that this does not seem to be a “major obstacle” to finalizing the purchase of Activision Blizzard King and thus its franchises are owned by Xbox Game Studios.
Apparently we are already in the epilogue of this story that has kept fans of Microsoft and Sony in a constant “war” during 2023. Fortunately, it seems that Microsoft’s intentions are not as biased as the exclusive content for PlayStation that games like Destiny y Call of Duty.
