After an intense legal battle against the Federal Trade Commission, Microsoft came out on top, removing what could be considered the last real obstacle to Activision’s takeover of Blizzard. There’s still a fight with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, but Microsoft and Xbox are confident.
Xbox’s Phil Spencer hit the newswire just minutes ago revealing a new binding agreement between Microsoft and PlayStation that will ensure Call of Duty continues on PlayStation.
So, are we all friends now?
It’s not immediately clear if this is a ten-year deal, as was signed with Nintendo a while back – or if it’s a permanent offer, but it’s a step in the right direction. For the longest time, one of the biggest concerns of this record $69 billion acquisition was the suggestion that Microsoft could control some of gaming’s biggest franchises — notably Call of Duty — and have the power to strip the series. From PlayStation’s platforms.
In confident words, Phil Spencer spoke Activision signed this landmark agreement following its acquisition of Blizzard. So, in his mind, it’s already a contract.
Expanding on the topic, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Smith, It was highlighted and went public Microsoft’s intention was to ‘focus on making sure Call of Duty is available on more platforms and for more customers than ever before’.
The news comes as a welcome departure after months of discussions, lawsuits, investments and statements from some of the biggest tech and gaming firms on earth. It’s been a long road, but we’re nearing the end of it.
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