Sony received an offer from Microsoft to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation platforms for three more years, and PlayStation boss Jim Ryan doesn’t think the offer is enough.
Related: Microsoft responds to Sony’s Call of Duty claims, says Sony pays devs to block content off Game Pass
At the beginning of this year, Microsoft announced the acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. The process is still ongoing because the purchase has to be approved by about 20 regulars worldwide.
The Brazilian regulator reached out to third parties operating in the same field and asked about their opinions on the matter before deciding. Apple, Google, Meta, Ubisoft, and Riot Games have no problems with the deal, but Sony is concerned about the Call of Duty franchise.
The Japanese giant is worried that Microsoft might turn the franchise into a PC and Xbox exclusive. According to Sony, no other game can reach Call of Duty’s level even if they used the same budget and workforce.
Last month, Microsoft ensured the company had no plans to turn the series into an exclusive title. Previously Xbox said that their promise is “beyond typical game industry agreements,” but it seems like it is not enough for PlayStation.
PlayStation boss Jim Ryan talked to GamesIndustry.biz about Microsoft’s offer:
“I hadn’t intended to comment on what I understood to be a private business discussion, but I feel the need to set the record straight because Phil Spencer brought this into the public forum.
Microsoft has only offered for Call of Duty to remain on PlayStation for three years after the current agreement between Activision and Sony ends. After almost 20 years of Call of Duty on PlayStation, their proposal was inadequate on many levels and failed to take account of the impact on our gamers. We want to guarantee PlayStation gamers continue to have the highest quality Call of Duty experience, and Microsoft’s proposal undermines this principle.”
Microsoft still needs Sony’s approval for the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. On the other hand, PlayStation players can expect to see Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 this fall. The game will be released on October 28, 2022.
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