Xbox-Activision deal would have negative implications for gamers according to Sony

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has recommended starting a second phase investigation into Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, as it believes it could stifle competition in the region’s video game industry. Sony has responded that it welcomes the announcement of further investigation.

“By giving Microsoft control of Activision games like Call of Duty, this deal would have significant negative implications for gamers and the future of the gaming industry.“Sony said in a statement to GamesIndustry “We want to ensure that PlayStation players continue to have the highest quality gaming experience, and we appreciate the CMA’s focus on protecting players.”.

This comes after PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan called Xbox’s offer to extend the availability of Call of Duty on PlayStation platforms “inadequate” In the past week. Ryan says the extension would only have lasted three more years after the existing agreements expired. There are reportedly three Call of Duty games left to release on PlayStation under current contracts, which includes this year’s Modern Warfare 2.

Xbox’s Phil Spencer noted that he still wanted to keep Call of Duty a cross-platform franchise, but it was unknown if that would be indefinitely. The Xbox extension offer to PlayStation indicates that the franchise could become exclusive to the Microsoft ecosystem eventually if the acquisition goes through.

Spencer has also confirmed that future Call of Duty games will also be coming to Xbox Game Pass the same day they are released on PlayStation. In this way, he argues, Call of Duty will be available to more players.