Sony expects Microsoft to keep some Activision games multi-platform

Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard caused a massive stir in the industry. The deal is valued at $68.7 billion, surpassing the price of other developer/publisher acquisitions. Of course, it’s safe to assume that exclusivity could work for the most successful IPs in recent memory, like Call of Duty. However, a Sony spokesperson commented on the current series of events, confident that several games from Activision Blizzard will continue to be a multi-platform experience.

It’s important to keep in mind what’s going on within Activision Blizzard right now with regards to the ongoing assertion of workplace culture. The ongoing lawsuit against the company by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is an overreported harmful workplace culture. Most of the lawsuits focus on “violations of national citizenship and equal pay laws,” especially regarding the treatment of women and other marginalized groups. If you would like to learn more about the proceeding so far, including the details listed in the lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, please see the previous scope here.

The spokesperson mentioned above said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that “we expect Microsoft to continue to abide by its agreements and ensure that Activision games are multiplatform.” With Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda, discourses surrounding monopoly also surfaced. The Elder Scrolls franchise and monopoly was also an issue. We’ve reported that Phil Spencer is envisioning the sixth installment of Bethesda’s classic RPG series, exclusively for Xbox. But he went on to say that console releases outside of Xbox and PC will be “case-by-case”. This same methodology is likely to apply to Activision Blizzard games, especially since Microsoft must comply with previous agreements in effect.

According to a Bloomberg report, Spencer reiterated that Activision games will continue to develop on other consoles. The platform and we were committed to it.”

In Sony’s top 20 PlayStation 5 downloads and PlayStation 4 downloads of 2021, Call of Duty: Vanguard appeared as the second most popular PS5 and fifth most popular PS4 title on the list. Warzone also took second place in the top 10 most downloaded free games on both PlayStation consoles. As far as acquisitions go, Sony is also looking to expand its gaming division.

Hiroki Totoki, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said, “As a result of the acquisitions announced at the beginning of the fiscal year, the number of PlayStation Studios will increase from 4 to 16 and developers will increase by about 20%.” . We plan to continue investing in our aggressive development capabilities in the future.”