Sony Expects Microsoft To Keep Some Activision Games Multiplatform

The recent Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard caused large-scale ripples in the industry. This deal, which was valued at $68.7 trillion, is more expensive than any other acquisition of developers/publishers. You can be sure that some of the most popular IPs, such as Call of Duty, could soon have exclusive rights. Sony spokesperson however, expressed concern about the present chain of events and said that Activision Blizzard will ensure that some of its games remain available on multiple platforms.

The above-mentioned spokesperson spoke on behalf of The Wall Street JournalHe stated, “We believe that Microsoft will adhere to contractual agreements and ensure Activision’s games are multiplatform.” When Microsoft purchased Bethesda, the discussion about exclusivity came to an end. The Elder Scrolls franchise and whether it would be exclusive or not also came into question. Phil Spencer, the creator of Bethesda’s RPG classic series, envisions the sixth installment as an Xbox exclusive. But he also said that Xbox and PC console launches would be determined on an individual basis. Activision Blizzard’s games will most likely follow the same procedure, as Microsoft must honour any contracts previously in force. 

According to a Bloomberg Spencer stated that Activision would still be developing games on other consoles. “I will just say to Activision Blizzard players on Sony’s platform that it’s not our intention to draw communities away from that platform. We remained committed.” 

On Sony’s top 20 PlayStation 5 downloads and PlayStation 4 downloads of 2021, Call of Duty: Vanguard appeared on the list as the second most popular PS5 and fifth most popular PS4 title. Warzone was also ranked number 2 on the list of top 10 free-to play games for both PlayStation 5 and PS4 consoles. Sony plans on expanding its gaming division, as well as looking at acquisitions.

Hiroki Totoki (executive deputy president, chief financial officer) stated, “As the result of acquisitions since the beginning of fiscal year, there will be an increase in the number PlayStation studios by between four and 16, and almost 20% increase in the number developers.” “We plan to keep investing aggressively in the development capacity going forward.”

[Source: The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg]