Sony Signs “Binding Agreement” With Microsoft to Keep Call of Duty on PlayStation (Update)

Following Microsoft’s win against the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) over the Activision-Blizzard acquisition, which means that there’s no stopping the acquisition, Sony has now signed a new Call of Duty deal with Microsoft.

This was revealed today by Xbox head boss Phil Spencer who announced that Sony and Microsoft now have a “binding agreement” to keep the Call of Duty franchise on PlayStation.

We are pleased to announce that Microsoft and @PlayStation have signed a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. We look forward to a future where players globally have more choice to play their favorite games.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) July 16, 2023

Vice Chair and President of Microsoft Brad Smith also shared his thoughts on the matter, and said that from day one, Microsoft has been committed to addressing the concerns of regulators, platform, game devs and consumers. The company will remain focused on ensuring Call of Duty remains available on more platforms for more consumers than ever before.

From Day One of this acquisition, we’ve been committed to addressing the concerns of regulators, platform and game developers, and consumers. Even after we cross the finish line for this deal’s approval, we will remain focused on ensuring that Call of Duty remains available on… https://t.co/hMWjC58wRi

— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) July 16, 2023

No specifics of the deal has been shared, though we’re assuming it might be similar to the 10-year deal Microsoft inked with Nintendo back in February. Having said that, we’re not expecting any PlayStation-exclusive anything to come out of this. Don’t expect timed exclusive game modes, maps or whatnot to be part of it, though we could be wrong.

Once we know more details about the deal, we’ll let our readers know.

Update: Axios has gotten confirmation that the Sony Call of Duty deal is for 10-years, which is the same deal Nintendo made.

Sony has confirmed with me/Axios that PlayStation’s Call of Duty deal with Microsoft (pending Activision purchase) is for 10 years

I’m looking forward to still being on this beat in 2033 and covering the next round of Nintendo, Nvidia and Sony contract negotiations for CoD) https://t.co/sdMuaccfNV

— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) July 16, 2023

Related Reading:

• Phil Spencer, Bobby Kotick, Other Microsoft & Activision Execs Comment on Xbox’s Win vs FTC
• XDefiant Isn’t a Call of Duty Killer, Nor Does it Need to Be
• Report: Call of Duty 2023 Being Shown by Activision to NBA Players in Summer League

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