Microsoft Snubs Activision Games as It Vies for Acquisition Approval

Microsoft told regulators in New Zealand that Activision Blizzard would not make any “must have” games, dismissive language likely developed to address considerations about the software’s giant’s proposed $68.7 billion acquisition of the Contact of Duty owner.

In a reaction to the country’s Commerce Commission seven weeks back, Microsoft also said Activision Blizzard’s games are “practically nothing one of a kind,” in accordance to Rock Paper Shotgun. 

A Microsoft spokesperson explained the language as a “lawful phrase of art” and not a judgment of Activision Blizzard’s video games, which incorporate strike titles this sort of as Overwatch, World of Warcraft, Starcraft and Sweet Crush. “We like just about every a person of their online games and have massive admiration and respect for the imaginative talent at the rear of them,” the spokesperson said in an e-mail.

Microsoft’s choice of words and phrases underscores its problems convincing regulators around the planet to let the application firm, which also can make the Xbox console, to swallow the online video game hit maker. Competitor Sony, which would make the PlayStation console, has elevated fears about the proposed deal with Brazilian regulators, stating that customers will select a console based mostly on no matter if they can enjoy the well-liked Phone of Obligation game titles. 

Xbox head Phil Spencer specified on Twitter earlier this calendar year that it will “honor all existing agreements” to “continue to keep Call of Responsibility on PlayStation.”

Experienced fantastic calls this week with leaders at Sony. I confirmed our intent to honor all current agreements on acquisition of Activision Blizzard and our wish to hold Get in touch with of Responsibility on PlayStation. Sony is an vital component of our field, and we value our marriage.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 20, 2022

Even if Microsoft would not make Connect with of Responsibility special to its platform, it truly is achievable the corporation could give Xbox owners certain capabilities and privileges not offered on PS5. Game Pass, Microsoft’s Netflix-design subscription services, could sway avid gamers towards Xbox by such as the well-known shooter in its $10 for every month membership. That could be far more appealing than paying out $70 for a duplicate that operates on PlayStation 5. 

Microsoft will continue to publish some multi-system Activision Blizzard titles for rival platforms, this kind of as the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Swap, Spencer told Bloomberg earlier this 12 months. 

Daniel Francis, a regulation professor at NYU and previous Federal Trade Fee official, mentioned Microsoft is very likely hoping to reassure regulators that other platforms will be ready to compete even if they drop obtain to Activision’s games. 

“Microsoft will very likely be arguing that a rival online games console or system does not need to have obtain to, or compatibility with, Activision game titles to continue to be competitive,” Francis mentioned.