Microsoft: Sony is lying
After this meeting between Sony and the boss of the EU’s regulatory agency, Frank X. Shaw, Microsoft’s communications officer, made striking claims. According to Shaw, Sony has told EU regulators that Microsoft is unwilling to offer equity for Call of Duty. Shaw stated that “nothing can be further from the truth”.
Shaw said on Twitter that Microsoft has offered Sony a 10-year deal to ensure equity in timing, content, features, quality, gameplay and all other aspects of the game. On the other hand, it is said that Microsoft is ready to implement its proposal through a contract, an agreement with the regulators or another way.
Deal stuck under regulatory scrutiny
Microsoft’s announcement that it will buy Activision for $69 billion is the game industry’s biggest deal so far. However, the deal has been caught under scrutiny by European, US and UK regulators, with fierce opposition from Sony.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently sued Microsoft to block the purchase. It has been suggested that the FCC will put pressure on its competitors if Microsoft buys Activision. Regulators have said that PlayStation’s ability to compete will be hit if Microsoft acquires ownership of the Call of Duty series, which Sony calls “irreplaceable”.
To address these concerns, Microsoft recently reportedly offered Sony a 10-year, legally enforceable contract to make every new Call of Duty game available on PlayStation the same day it hits Xbox. On the other hand, a similar case is expected by the EU. Microsoft, on the other hand, will have to address all concerns in this legal process. It is expected that the final decisions will be made in April before the EU and the UK.