Sony continues to try to stop Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard, and meanwhile the Redmond giant does not stop trying to show that this operation would be good for the market, and for the players. In this sense, it is curious to see that one of the great beneficiaries of said purchase would be Nintendo Switcha console that has already outsold Xbox One and Xbox Series, and is on its way to doing the same with PS4 and PS5.
The reason is very simple, Microsoft has confirmed a 10-year commitment to bring the Call of Duty franchise to Nintendo Switch and its successors, a move that was no coincidence, and that obviously would also be positive for the Redmond giant. We are going to take a careful look at what this means for each of the parties involved, and also for Sony.
For Microsoft, that commitment is beneficial for two reasons. The first is that it allows you to demonstrate to regulators that the fears that Sony is trying to spread they have no foundation and it would make things easier for him get approval of those more reticent. Second, we must keep in mind that bringing the Call of Duty franchise to Nintendo Switch would allow earn more revenue and maximize profitability of said purchase transaction.
For Nintendo to receive the Call of Duty franchise, in versions adapted to the possibilities of Nintendo Switch, is good news because would enhance the appeal of your console for other player profiles who have not paid attention to it so far, and because it could help you sell more units and close a stellar end of life.
In the case of Sony, this is a problem because, as we have said, collapses practically each and every one of his arguments, and because it shows that in the end the Japanese company is displaying “questionable” behavior and full of hypocrisy. At the same time, it would also convert to Nintendo Switch in an even more competitive system which could cannibalize part of PlayStation sales.
Sony has enjoyed the “first on PlayStation” for years in everything related to the Call of Duty franchise, but in that situation he was not concerned with the issue of competition. On the other hand, I can’t help but wonder what the company would do if we reversed the tables, that is, if it were the one trying to buy Activision Blizzard. We’ll never know, but I’m sure the last thing on his mind would be offering 10-year release deals for Call of Duty to Microsoft and Nintendo.
Microsoft has entered into a 10-year commitment to bring Call of Duty to @Nintendo following the merger of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard King. Microsoft is committed to helping bring more games to more people – however they choose to play. @ATVI_AB
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) December 7, 2022
