Microsoft has reached an agreement with Sony to keep the Call Of Duty franchise on PlayStation after the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, just days after defeating the FTC’s challenge to the purchase. The announcement was made by Microsoft boss Phil Spencer on Twitter, where he mentioned a binding agreement between the two companies. The deal comes as Microsoft is set to meet with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regarding the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
Quick Facts
- Microsoft and Sony have reached a binding agreement to keep Call Of Duty on PlayStation after the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
- Microsoft recently won a legal battle against the FTC, which tried to delay the purchase of Activision Blizzard.
- The company is scheduled to meet with the UK’s CMA to discuss the acquisition terms.
Phil Spencer revealed the agreement between Microsoft and Sony on Twitter, stating that both companies look forward to a future where players globally have more choice in playing their favorite games. This deal follows a California judge’s ruling in favor of Microsoft against the FTC’s attempt to delay the Activision Blizzard purchase. The FTC’s appeal was also denied.
In addition to the FTC, the UK’s CMA has expressed concerns about the deal and is currently reviewing its terms. Microsoft is set to meet with the CMA early this week to discuss the acquisition. Details regarding the length of the Call Of Duty deal with Sony have not been disclosed, although it was previously rumored to be 10 years. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft is expected to close as early as this week, with a deadline of July 18 to avoid a $3 billion “breakup fee” or negotiate an extension.
