Microsoft to keep CoD game on Sony PlayStation for many years

by IANS |

San Francisco, Sep 3 (IANS) Microsoft has said it will keep the popular Call of Duty (CoD) game on its rival Sony PlayStation gaming consoles for "several more years."

Activision Blizzard, acquired by Microsoft for $68.7 billion, has some of the world's best-selling and most recognisable gaming franchises, such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer told The Verge that CoD will stay on Sony PlayStation consoles for many years.

"In January, we provided a signed agreement to Sony to guarantee Call of Duty on PlayStation, with feature and content parity, for at least several more years beyond the current Sony contract, an offer that goes well beyond typical gaming industry agreements," Spencer was quoted as saying in the report late on Friday.

He did not divulge exactly how many years CoD will remain on PlayStation.

In January, Microsoft confirmed that it will allow popular first person shooter game CoD to stay on Sony PlayStation.

"I confirmed our intent to honour all existing agreements upon acquisition of Activision Blizzard and our desire to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation," Spencer had said in a tweet.

"Sony is an important part of our industry, and we value our relationship," he added.

There were concerns that CoD may become a Microsoft Xbox exclusive franchise.

Meanwhile, the UK market watchdog has announced an in-depth probe into Microsoft's $68.7 billion all-cash deal, if its concerns over antitrust practices are not met.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it is concerned that Microsoft's anticipated purchase of Activision Blizzard "could substantially lessen competition in gaming consoles, multi-game subscription services, and cloud gaming services (game streaming)".

Latest News
IMD predicts continued heavy rainfall in east India Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 04:19 PM
Mamata Banerjee congratulates Indian medal winners in Asian Games Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 03:51 PM
Men enter quarterfinal in Table Tennis team competition, women crash out in Round of 16 Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 03:45 PM
US scientists restore walking in mice after paralysis Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 03:38 PM
Study shows our gut microbes may determine bone health Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 03:32 PM
1 dead, 7 missing as boat capsizes in China Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 03:16 PM
IT cities Hyderabad, Bengaluru connected by Vande Bharat Express Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 03:14 PM
Pakistan says two foreign spies held in Islamabad with explosive material Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 03:13 PM
Bumrah to miss second ODI, given short break to visit his family; Mukesh Kumar roped in as replacement Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 03:11 PM
Iyer, Gill take India to 79/1 against Australia before rain stops play in Indore Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 03:07 PM
India crush Bangladesh by 8 wickets, enter women's cricket gold medal match Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 02:08 PM
Prasidh replaces rested Bumrah; Johnson to debut as Smith-captained Australia win toss, elect to bowl against India Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 01:48 PM
Indian men's hockey team begins campaign with dominant 16-0 win over Uzbekistan Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 12:54 PM
Two wanted criminals arrested in Delhi after brief chase Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 12:45 PM
PM Modi's Oct 1 public rally to kick-start BJP's campaign in Telangana Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 12:44 PM