Microsoftis facing stiff reviews from regulatory bodies across the world as it seeks to close the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.Microsoftis having to address concerns regarding its increasing control of the gaming marketplace given Activision Blizzard’s size. These reviews have led to some interesting statements and revelations, to say the least. The latest example comes in response to Sony itself, which alleged thatCall of Duty’s popularity is so significant no single platform holder should own it. Microsoft, naturally, disagrees.
Sony’s argument, filed as part of Brazil’s ongoing look intoMicrosoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, claims thatCall of Duty’s popularity “influences users' choice of console.” Further, thatCall of Dutyplayer loyalty means a rival could never recreate its success. Its point is that Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard, andCall of Dutywith it, would be anti-competitive. Microsoft has now issued a statement counteringCall of Duty’s point that’s difficult to deny.
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Microsoft starts by pointing out that Sony is the only party to make such claims, with other third-party entities that were consulted having no similar feelings on the acquisition. Further, Microsoft believes Sony is being contradictory in its point. Microsoft points out that exclusivity deals have also been a key component ofSony’s own business strategy. In fact, Sony is actively making deals in which developers have to agree they won’t publish their games on Xbox Game Pass.
There are several further counterarguments provided by Microsoft as part of its 27-page document filed with Brazil’s regulatory body. These include Microsoft’s intent to continue releasingCall of Dutygames on PlayStation, analysis regarding how Xbox Game Pass is just one way gamers pay to play games, Sony’s own competitive subscription services, and so on.
A particular focus by both Sony and Microsoft is regardingCall of Dutycoming to Xbox Game Pass. While Sony’s statements do belie worries thatCall of Dutywill create a shift toward Xbox consoles, that’s through the lens ofCall of Dutybeing offered via the Xbox Game Pass subscription. Microsoft’s response similarly focuses on whyCall of Dutybeing offered Day One on Xbox Game Pass isn’t anti-competitive.
For consumers, the argument is difficult to make complete sense of. It’s easy to understand that Microsoft owningCall of Dutyand offering it on Xbox Game Pass will be a huge boon. It may even hurt Sony in the long run, sinceCall of Dutyis hugely popular on PlayStation platforms. That doesn’t necessarily mean Microsoft’s acquisition is anti-competitive, though. There will always be new games, and even if Xbox grows increasingly popular in the years to come while PlayStation declines, that’s normal for the industry, too. Whether any of this will impact Microsoft’s acquisition is another matter entirely, though.
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