Phil Spencer really wants you to know that native Call of Duty will stay on PlayStation

Activision Deal

The proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, valued at $68.7 billion, is under intense scrutiny from regulators worldwide. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, emphasizes that the deal is not solely about Call of Duty but also about enhancing player choice and market competition. He states, "We're committed to continuing to ship Call of Duty on PlayStation," highlighting Microsoft's dedication to maintaining platform availability 1. Spencer also addresses the rumors and hearsay surrounding the deal, clarifying that no formal regulations have been proposed by regulators yet 1.

   

Call of Duty

Microsoft's commitment to Call of Duty's future on PlayStation is a focal point in the acquisition discussions. Spencer reassures that Call of Duty will remain on PlayStation as long as the platform exists, reflecting a pragmatic approach rather than a competitive threat. He states, "Our model is we want to be where players are, especially with franchises the size of Minecraft and Call of Duty" 2. Spencer is open to contractual commitments with Sony to ensure Call of Duty's presence on PlayStation, emphasizing that the focus is on player satisfaction rather than exclusivity 3.

   

Regulatory Views

The regulatory landscape for Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is complex, with differing approaches between the US and Europe. Spencer acknowledges these differences, noting that the US focuses on consumer welfare while Europe emphasizes market competition. He asserts, "I always come back to how does this impact our players, our customers, and even customers on other platforms" 4. Despite Microsoft's position as a third-place player in the console market, Spencer welcomes the regulatory discussions, viewing them as a valuable process to ensure fair competition and player benefits 4.