In an interview with CNBC, the President of Microsoft, Brad Smith, talks about how the company is currently fighting the acquisition battle across the world and talks about how they are trying to make a complete package that makes everyone the winner, amidst the interview, he mentions that Sony’s deal with Activision for Call of Duty ends next year, 2024, which could mean that we see the end of PlayStation Exclusive content for future releases.
Sony and Call of Duty’s Long-Running Relationship Could End
In an interview with CNBC, Brad Smith, The CEO of Microsoft talks about his recent deals with Nvidia and Nintendo earlier today which involved signing a 10-year-long deal with both companies. According to Mr. Smith, he extended the same deal to Sony and while he did not add if Sony has accepted or rejected the deal, during the interview, he mentions that the present deal between Sony and Activision is set to expire next year, 2024.
He mentions it at the 1:38 mark, but it’s recommended to listen to the interview from the start for the full context.
Mr. Smith also mentions how they are only looking to level the playing field for all gamers by making the same edition of the game available to all gamers on the same day.
While Sony is continuing to fight against the acquisition vigorously, Microsoft is equally fighting back as hard, if not harder. While it is admirable, the battle is prolonging the acquisition and it could further complicate matters for both companies as the affair drags on.
Sony has had a firm grip on exclusive Call of Duty content with the most recent examples being the exclusive skins, and other perks offered to the PlayStation version of Modern Warfare 2 with some of those perks not offered to the PC or Xbox version of the game such as the Oni skin for Warzone and Multiplayer.
In addition, the re-released remasters of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 1 & 2 were also exclusive to the PlayStation 4 for a good month until they were eventually allowed to release for the Xbox and PC. As such, we can see that the two companies have shared a very detailed past of favorable exchanges.
