Sony Believes Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Could Lead to Loss of Audience

Following Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Sony worries that Call of Duty may encourage consumers to transfer to Xbox.

This is in line with the corporation’s formal response to inquiries from the Brazilian regulatory authority, which like many other regions is presently reviewing the planned acquisition for approval. Resetera was the first to notice this.      

Sony describes Call of Duty as “an important game: a blockbuster, an AAA-type game that has no competition” in its questionnaire responses.

“According to a 2019 study, ‘The importance of Call of Duty to entertainment, in general, is indescribable,’” the company said. “The brand was the only video game IP to break into the top 10 of all entertainment brands among fans, joining powerhouses such as Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings.

“No other developer can devote the same level of resources and expertise in game development. Even if they could do that, Call of Duty is overly entrenched, so that no rival – no matter how relevant they are – can catch up.”

-Sony

In its initial response to Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Sony stated that it anticipates Call of Duty titles to continue to be cross-platform owing to “contractual arrangements” disclosed in January.