Call Of Duty Will Continue On PlayStation For ‘Several More Years’ After The Current Deal Says Microsoft

For those who aren't aware, Sony has had suspicions for some time now that if the Activision Blizzard Acquisition happens, Call of Duty could soon become a Microsoft exclusive. However, Microsoft has denied these claims and explained that they are committed to keeping Call of Duty on PlayStation for “several more years” after the current contracts. This news came in the form of a written letter to PlayStation head Jim Ryan from Microsoft Gaming CEO and Xbox chief Phil Spencer, and was confirmed in a statement Spencer made to The Verge.

As of now, it is unclear how many years “several” covers and there is good reason to be vague, but at least Microsoft is willing to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation longer than it contractually has to at the moment. Microsoft has mentioned before that removing the CoD franchise from PlayStation wouldn't be beneficial on account of it simply ‘not being profitable.’ However, it looks like that idea has an unannounced expiration date.

Sony isn’t the only one that holds fears and UK regulators are still reviewing the possible deal. Sony claims it would be difficult for other developers to create a franchise that rivals Activision’s Call of Duty and they do have a point. Microsoft, however, argues that it’s not as important but if that were the case, the controversy that has been following the pending acquisition would not have raised so many questions about the popular FPS title.

It is disappointing to think that those who have already committed to a PS5 may only have a few years to enjoy CoD. When companies start fighting over rights and exclusive games, while some companies are left to profit, it also leaves dedicated fans caught in the middle.

Note: Activision Blizzard is still under investigation by the state of California for serious harassment charges. CEO Bobby Kotick is alleged to have known about such actions within his company – and performed some himself – and shielded the perpetrators from consequences.