Sony Wanted to Bring PlayStation Plus to Xbox, Microsoft Won’t “Permit” It

PlayStation Pass Xbox

In a recently released document, it was revealed that Sony may have attempted to launch their PlayStation Plus service on Xbox. Sony stated that Microsoft would not allow the subscription service to run on the Microsoft console, which may mean that an attempt to bridge the two services was made at some point. Here’s a snippet from Sony’s own statement:

Third, Microsoft argues that demand for multi-game subscription services would not tip towards Game Pass because Microsoft would also make Game Pass available on PlayStation (Microsoft, para.1.3(g)). But the wider availability of the leading provider (Game Pass), now endowed with exclusive irreplaceable content, and protected by direct and indirect network effects, would makes it harder – not easier – for rival multi-game subscription services to compete. Microsoft’s stance that Game Pass availability on PlayStation would be a panacea for the harm from this Transaction rings particularly hollow given that Microsoft does not permit PlayStation Plus to be available on Xbox.

In fact, Microsoft also implies that they made an offer for the same sort of deal, but with Xbox Game Pass on PlayStation devices. Sony, in turn, also prevented this:

Nor is there any basis for the idea that acquiring Call of Duty could ‘tip’ subscription services in Xbox’s favour. Sony has chosen to block Game Pass from PlayStation, so it is not available on PlayStation. As all games that are available on Game Pass are also available to purchase, PlayStation gamers will continue to have the ability to buy Call of Duty on PlayStation. And doing so will still cost less than the cost of switching by buying a new Xbox console.

While it doesn’t look like PlayStation owners can expect to play Game Pass exclusives and vice-versa, gamers now know that an attempt was made, at the very least.

In related news that also surfaced via the documents, Sony states that the Call of Duty franchise isn’t replicable, and mentions how EA’s Battlefield franchise has only sold 88 million copies compared to Call of Duty’s 440 million.

Source: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

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