Sony and Microsoft have been issuing statement after statement in response to each other. The reason, of course, is well known, and it's the ongoing file on Microsoft's acquisition of Activision. Microsoft desperately wants to release Call of Duty on PlayStation devices, while Sony defends and refuses, saying it could see these games launched on its devices in devastating fashion.
According to a report from VGC, Sony has suggested that Microsoft may release problematic versions of Call of Duty games for PlayStation in the event of a merger with Activision Blizzard. Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) released its provisional findings on the proposed deal last month, raising concerns that Microsoft could opt to employ a range of tactics to stifle competition if the deal is approved. These include blocking Sony games or content, offering fewer features on competing devices, and also reducing the quality of Activision titles on PlayStation..
Sony suggested that the simplest way to ensure there is no significant reduction in competition is to block the deal entirely or implement a partial divestment of Activision Blizzard. This would result in parts of the company's projects, such as Call of Duty, being sold and removed from the equation. However, the CMA said it would also consider behavioral remedies, such as Microsoft offering to make the series available on other platforms after the merger. But Sonny was blunt in saying the following:
"If Microsoft fails to comply with its obligation, it will likely only risk a fine (possibly many years down the road). But competitors' access to CoD would be immediately blocked, irreparably damaging their ability to compete and ultimately harming consumers.".
“Quickly detecting any deviations from technical or graphical quality and ensuring compliance will be challenging. For example, Microsoft could release versions of CoD for PlayStation where bugs appear in the final game or after subsequent updates. Even if these deficiencies are detected quickly, any fixes will likely come too late, by which time the gaming community has lost faith in PlayStation as a place to play Call of Duty.
Do you think what Sony said about the deal and Activision's most beloved title is logical if the deal goes through?
