We were waiting for Sony’s response following the acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, we are not disappointed. In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, the Japanese firm is content to remind Microsoft of the terms of the contract that binds it to Activision, which ensure that the publisher’s games are released on several platforms. In other words: beware of exclusives.
We haven’t finished talking about it. Microsoft probably realized hit of the century by buying, this Tuesday, January 18, Activision-Blizzard for the trifle of 69 billion dollars. The implications for the gaming world are immense. In addition to the fears of some of seeing the birth of a monopoly, the Redmond firm is redistributing the cards with Sony by creating Microsoft Gaming, the entity that will bring together all of its development studios. And for good reason: the question that has been on everyone’s lips for two days is that future Xbox exclusives.
The earthquake of course arrived at the gates of Japan. Faced with the possibility of seeing the next Call of Duty and other Diablo escape the hands of the PlayStation, investors have caused Sony’s stock market share to fall by 13%. The whole world is now waiting the response of the Japanese giant. It is finally to the Wall Street Journal that he offers this favor. “We expect Microsoft to honor contractual agreements and continue to ensure Activision’s games are cross-platform”, said his spokesperson.
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Shaken, Sony discreetly calls Microsoft to order
Translation : watch where you step, the law is on our side. We understand Sony’s concern. Losing even Call of Duty would be a huge blow for the company, whose video game represents 30% of its turnover. For now, Microsoft plays appeasement. Phil Spencer, boss of Xbox, has already explained that his strategy is not to make Activision-Blizzard licenses exclusives.
But one thing is certain: the Redmond firm will not let such an opportunity pass for the sake of remaining fair play. Things will undeniably change in the video game landscape, starting with the Xbox Game Pass which will certainly welcome the publisher’s many cult games. If the terms of the contract are still unclear, Sony has no choice but to react quickly.
Source: Wall Street Journal
