How Would Exclusivity on Activision Games Look Like if the Microsoft’s $69 Billion Deal Goes Through?

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is in limbo. The court feud between Microsoft and the Federal Trade Commission is around Call of Duty’s access. In the trial, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer confirmed to ship future versions of Call of Duty on PlayStation 5. Differing from Microsoft’s decision, a previously unseen email has surfaced. The mail pointed out the game titles’ exclusivity. Bethesda hinted that Microsoft’s approach in releasing Starfield as an Xbox exclusive impacted their very own policy on game titles.

Rumors have started brewing that Microsoft might change the policies of games after the successful deal with Activision Blizzard.

Microsoft’s decision on Activision Games

Microsoft’s $69 billion deal to take over Activision Blizzard is a tricky one. Activision Blizzard, popular for games like Call of Duty or Diablo 4, is all set to join Microsoft’s banner. The ongoing Microsoft-Sony rivalry, however, brought questions about Call of Duty’s access to PlayStation. The Xbox maker was pushed into a court trial with the FTC  on this issue. Earlier, Phil Spencer’s decision on shipping COD on PlayStation 5 forced fans to scratch their heads. They seemed flabbergasted to know about the titles’ exclusivity for other Activision games.

Dr. Lee, Microsoft’s lawyer exposed the company’s decision on their distinct policy that focuses on the exclusiveness of the Activision games titles. The team focused on their separate analysis of the Activision Blizzard games’ titles. However, Microsoft’s decision confirmed not withholding the games for consoles but for subscriptions. Dr. Lee’s words hinted at an agenda focused on Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.

Read more: Internal Email Reveals Bethesda’s Pete Hines Questioned Xbox Over Their Titles’ Exclusivity Differing From Activision’s Call of Duty

Microsoft’s focus on game pass subscriptions

Jim Ryan, PlayStation’s head earlier stated that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was strategic, which presented their intention to attack the popularity of PlayStation consoles. Probably so as Call of Duty is one of the best-selling games in the market. Ryan focused on Microsoft’s attempt to push gamers to Xbox Pass for accessing Call of Duty. Gamers will then not prefer to spend an extra $70 on PlayStation makers.

Spencer’s confirmation on Call of Duty calmed the fans. This fed their long anticipation to play it on PlayStation 5. However, the titles’ exclusivity for other Activision Games is yet to be confirmed. Although it seemed that Microsoft will focus on game pass subscriptions to get the benefit. For more details on the topic, we have to wait till Microsoft’s $ 69 billion deal is finally successful with Activision Blizzard.

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