After the Microsoft-Sony deal, nothing stands in the way of the takeover of Activision

After the Microsoft-Sony deal, nothing stands in the way of the takeover of Activision

Tokyo, 17.7.2023

Microsoft and Sony have signed a deal to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation consoles after Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard for $69 billion.

Microsoft’s purchase of Activision was recently approved by a US appeals court. Negotiations are currently underway with the UK’s Markets and Competitions Authority, the only remaining regulator opposed to the mega deal.

The Sony agreement could potentially help Microsoft clear that final regulatory hurdle. Microsoft and Activision aim to complete the merger by their Tuesday, July 18 deadline.

Regulators were concerned that Microsoft could make Activision games like Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox. Sony, the biggest contributor to console gaming revenue, initially rejected the deal but has now committed to a 10-year deal with Microsoft, which has similar deals with Nintendo and Nvidia.