Microsoft and Sony Sign 10-Year Deal to Keep Call of Duty on PlayStation Following Activision Blizzard Acquisition

Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, and Sony have reached a significant milestone in the ongoing process of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

In a move that promises to shape the video game landscape for years to come, Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer confirmed that the company has entered into a binding agreement with Sony to keep the Call of Duty franchise on PlayStation consoles for the next decade. This commitment comes in response to widespread industry and regulatory attention surrounding the $68.7 billion acquisition, announced in early 2022, which will see Microsoft acquire Activision Blizzard, the publisher behind globally renowned titles including Call of Duty, Overwatch, and Diablo.

The agreement was confirmed by Stephen Totilo of Axios, highlighting a 10-year term that ensures PlayStation players will continue to have access to new titles in the franchise. Phil Spencer issued a statement emphasizing the collaborative effort between Microsoft and Sony.

“We are excited to share that Microsoft and PlayStation have entered into a binding agreement to maintain Call of Duty availability on PlayStation platforms,” Spencer stated.

“Our vision is to expand choice for players worldwide, allowing them to enjoy their favourite games wherever they choose.” Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Smith, also weighed in, noting that the companies have been focused on resolving questions from regulators, industry partners, and the gaming community.

"From the start of this acquisition journey, we've aimed to address concerns from regulators, platform holders, and gamers,” said Smith.

“Even after regulatory approval, we will stay committed to making Call of Duty available to even more players and on more platforms than ever before.” Earlier in 2023, Microsoft announced a similar 10-year binding agreement with Nintendo, signaling the company’s intent to bring the Call of Duty series to Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and any potential future hardware.

This initiative aligns with Microsoft’s stated goal of increasing accessibility and player choice in the video game market. The Call of Duty franchise, developed primarily by Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games under the Activision publishing label, remains one of the video game industry’s most commercially successful series.

Since its launch in 2003, Call of Duty has sold over 400 million copies worldwide.

Ensuring access to PlayStation and Nintendo users will help maintain its industry-leading momentum. While Microsoft’s agreement with Sony and Nintendo guarantees Call of Duty’s multi-platform future for the next decade, the Activision Blizzard acquisition is still subject to final regulatory approvals.

Nevertheless, these high-profile deals mark a significant step toward allaying industry concerns about the franchise’s availability on non-Microsoft platforms, reinforcing Microsoft’s commitment to both competition and consumer choice across console ecosystems, including PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo PlayStation Sony Activision Microsoft Switch Blizzard Activision Blizzard Call of Duty Phil Spencer Brad Smith Stephen Totilo Axios