Microsoft to License 'Call of Duty' to Sony for 10 Years Following UK Concerns

Microsoft made the announcement that it will grant Sony a 10-year license for the popular video game series "Call of Duty," Reuters reports.

The move is in response to concerns raised by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regarding Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision, the popular game's developer.

The CMA has recently concluded that the acquisition could be detrimental to UK gamers by resulting in higher prices, fewer options, or less innovation.

It cautioned that this could significantly diminish the competition between Xbox and PlayStation, which would then be disadvantageous to consumers.

Microsoft Addresses Concerns by UK Watchdog

In the course of several months, Microsoft has repeatedly refuted claims that it will take "Call of Duty" away from PlayStation or offer it in a subpar form. The CMA asserts that there is evidence to support Microsoft's motivation to do so.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports Sony had pleaded with the UK's antitrust watchdog to either stop Microsoft's purchase of Activision or compel it to market the megahit game.

To protect consumers in the cloud gaming and console markets from harm, the CMA proposed a number of solutions, including the sale of Call of Duty.

In a document the regulator just put out, Microsoft said it would make sure Call of Duty was the same on both the PlayStation and Xbox platforms and that it and other Activision games were widely available on cloud gaming services. The move is meant to address the concerns of the CMA about the acquisition.

Microsoft also said that "these remedies will protect all CoD players in the UK and bring significant benefits to consumers and developers of around £3."

Microsoft also recently revealed that, as part of a 10-year contract, all Xbox video games would be accessible to Nintendo Switch users.

What This Means for Gamers

As a result of the licensing agreement between Microsoft and Sony, gamers in the United Kingdom will continue to have access to "Call of Duty" on PlayStation consoles.

The move is a significant victory for gamers, who were worried that the acquisition would harm competition and limit their options for gaming. Nevertheless, these concerns have been allayed thanks to the move.

Additionally, this demonstrates that Microsoft is taking regulators' concerns seriously and is willing to take steps to address those concerns.

Additionally, the licensing agreement is favorable for Sony since it ensures that the company will continue to have access to one of the world's most popular video game franchises.

The 'Call of Duty' Franchise

Call of Duty has become the staple of the growing video game industry, with millions of fans worldwide. Since its initial release in 2003, the first-person shooter game has been a hit with gamers.

According to Fortune, the latest iteration of the game, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II," sold $1 billion in just ten days. That is the fastest title in the franchise's history to reach that milestone.

The game is renowned for its fast-paced action, realistic graphics, and engaging gameplay. The game has evolved, with new editions featuring new settings, storylines, and game modes being released regularly.

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