Sony and Microsoft have started issuing statement after statement in response to each other. The reason, of course, is known, and it is the ongoing file of the acquisition of Activision by Microsoft. The latter desperately wants to release Call of Duty on PlayStation devices, while Sony defends and refuses, saying that it can see these games launched in a devastating way on its devices.
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 interim 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 goes through. These include blocking Sony games or content, offering fewer features on competing devices, and also reducing the quality of Activision titles on PlayStation..
Sony has suggested that the simplest way to ensure there is no significant reduction in competition is to either block the deal entirely or implement a partial divestiture of Activision Blizzard. This would see parts of the company's projects, such as Call of Duty, sold off 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, you would likely only risk a fine (possibly many years down the road). But competitors would be immediately blocked from accessing CoD, irreparably damaging their ability to compete and ultimately harming consumers.”.
“Quickly detecting any deviations from adherence to technical or graphical quality and ensuring compliance will be a challenge. For example, Microsoft could release versions of CoD for PlayStation where bugs appear in the final game level or after subsequent updates. Even if such degrades 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?
