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The Microsoft vs US Federal Trade Commission pretty much revolved around the Call of Duty franchise. While Sony has argued that the Windows maker will make the game Xbox exclusive, Microsoft has repeatedly denied the claim. It was now the turn of Activision CEO Bobby Kotick to testify about the game.
Kotick said that if Microsoft bought his company and blocked other gaming platforms from offering “Call of Duty,” it would deprive many of the 100 million monthly active users and hurt the franchise’s popularity.
“You would have a revolt if you were to remove the game from one platform,” said Kotick. He added that it is vital to offer the game across multiple platforms, including consoles, mobile phones and PCs.
He also noted that keeping Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox will not provide any incentive for Microsoft. According to Kotick, removing “Call of Duty” from Sony’s PlayStation would be “very detrimental” to Activision’s business.
Kotick also said that the deal will result in his personal shares being valued at over $400 million.
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Activision-Sony ‘Call of Duty’ deal
Activision currently has a pact with Sony that will see the Call of Duty maker bring games on PS consoles until 2024.
Call of Duty is a cash cow for Sony. As per a document during the court, the game was worth $800 million for PlayStation revenue in the US in 2021. Reportedly, it is thought to be $1.5 billion globally. Add to that number the accessories, subscriptions, and other things, then the revenue apparently jumps to $15.9 billion (or $13.9 billion).
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Microsoft CEO against game exclusiveness
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also said that making Activision games exclusive would make “no strategic sense.” He also noted that he is against making games exclusive to any platform and highlighted that it’s better in financial terms that all games are licensed to all comers.
The deal has won approval from several regulators globally, including Europe but has been opposed by the FTC in the US and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
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