The ongoing FTC v. Microsoft hearing has already provided revelations, as Sony’s PlayStation chief, Chris Deering, shared intriguing insights regarding Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In a newly unsealed email, Deering expressed his belief that the acquisition wasn’t solely about securing Xbox exclusivity for games—a viewpoint that adds an interesting twist to the unfolding drama.
A leaked email exchange between Jim Ryan, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Chris Deering, former president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, has brought forth entertaining and thought-provoking commentary on the matter. According to Tom Warren, senior editor at The Verge, this exchange occurred in January 2022 and shed light on the ongoing dynamics between the two gaming giants.
A hilarious corporate jab at Microsoft’s Xbox by Sony’s Playstation
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In his email, Ryan expressed confidence that Call of Duty would remain on PlayStation for the foreseeable future and hinted at exciting developments Sony had in the works. Despite acknowledging the situation, Ryan assured that Sony would be more than okay. This email surfaced during the first week of the Federal Trade Commission trial involving Microsoft and Activision.
The noteworthy part of the email exchange, however, was Chris Deering’s response. Deering, known for his 15-year tenure at Sony, commented on Xbox’s involvement in the mobile gaming space and suggested that the acquisition would tempt talent to prioritize financial gain over-commitment to the gaming industry. He further opined that Microsoft was overpaying for the deal and humorously remarked that they would have been better off announcing a new electric car. Deering’s biting response added a touch of levity to the conversation.
here's the bombshell Jim Ryan email about Xbox exclusivity with Chris Deering, who says Microsoft would have been better off announcing an electric car than buying Activision🙃 More about the email here: https://t.co/733gxlp9ca pic.twitter.com/cUvV0Ywhmy
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 28, 2023
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The email exchange also touched upon the negotiations between Microsoft and Sony regarding Call of Duty’s availability on PlayStation. Microsoft initially offered a three-year agreement after the current Activision-Sony deal expires, but Ryan considered it inadequate. In response, Microsoft presented a 10-year deal, which Sony has yet to sign.
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As the FTC v. Microsoft hearing continues, Chris Deering’s unsealed email has provided a fresh perspective on Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. While Sony’s PlayStation chief expressed doubt that the acquisition was solely about securing exclusivity, his humorous jab at Microsoft’s play in the mobile space added a touch of amusement to the ongoing drama. Share your thoughts about the whole drama, in the comments below!