Microsoft is doing everything possible to obtain approval from regulatory bodies worldwide for the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Undoubtedly, much of the conversation has revolved around Call of Duty. Will the military franchise become an Xbox exclusive if the deal goes through?
For months now, Microsoft, Sony, and regulatory authorities have been engaged in a constant back-and-forth. While Xbox's Phil Spencer assures that upcoming games will be released on other platforms, PlayStation's Jim Ryan expresses his fear of losing the franchise. At the same time, regulators believe that exclusivity could harm the industry.
Once again, the war saga was a topic of conversation during the ongoing legal battle between Microsoft and the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Related video: Sony and Microsoft are blinded by Call of Duty
Microsoft wants to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation to generate more money
In a written statement presented at the trial, Amy Hood, Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer, revealed that the possibility of making Call of Duty an exclusive to Xbox ecosystems was never discussed. The document emphasizes the importance of keeping the franchise on other platforms, including PlayStation.
"It was never evaluated or discussed with me the possibility of making Call of Duty an Xbox exclusive, nor was it even mentioned in any of the presentations or discussions with the board of directors. I understood the need to keep Call of Duty on other platforms," stated the Chief Financial Officer.
Additionally, Amy Hood pointed out that they want Activision games to be "more available, not less." She also suggested that it is beneficial for Microsoft to have the war saga available on PlayStation. She emphasized that Activision Blizzard must generate money promptly once the deal is finalized.
Microsoft CFO Amy Hood, who approved the $69 billion bid for Activision: "The possibility of making Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox was never assessed or discussed with me, nor was it even mentioned in any of the presentations to or discussions with the Board of Directors." pic.twitter.com/x2IFDjdEFj
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) June 29, 2023
"An essential component of the estimated $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard is the future sales of Activision on all platforms, including Call of Duty sales on PlayStation (...) The purchase must be financially beneficial to Microsoft shareholders from the first year. This means that the acquisition must immediately contribute to an increase in earnings per share," stated Amy Hood.
The words of the Chief Financial Officer coincide with those of Satya Nadella, who denied that Microsoft's strategy is to make Call of Duty an Xbox exclusive. Likewise, Phil Spencer testified that he will do whatever it takes to keep the franchise on PlayStation.
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