Sony expresses discontent over Xbox’s exclusive rights to Starfield
Sony has recently expressed its dissatisfaction with Microsoft over Starfield’s exclusivity for Xbox. The ongoing feud between the two companies is being played out in front of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), with Sony making a statement criticizing Microsoft’s decision to make Starfield an Xbox console exclusive.
The Call of Duty Connection
Sony has been trying to prove to the European Commission and the CMA that Microsoft cannot be trusted with Call of Duty, which is considered one of the biggest draws for PlayStation players. Microsoft has signed four deals to bring Call of Duty to various platforms for the next 10 years, but Sony has not accepted the same deal. The validity of these deals depends on whether Microsoft can buy Activision Blizzard, a deal that Sony is trying to block.
The Evidence
Sony used Microsoft’s statement that it would “not have the incentive” to make Starfield an Xbox exclusive as evidence to back up its claim that Microsoft cannot be trusted with Call of Duty. However, Bethesda had made no previous commitment to releasing Starfield on PlayStation or any other platform since the publisher was purchased by Microsoft. Sony fears that it will lose Call of Duty if Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard and mishandles the brand.
Console-Exclusive Games
PlayStation has released more console-exclusive games than Xbox, even when comparing the previous generation of consoles. However, thanks to Microsoft’s investment in PC gaming, its Xbox exclusives are also released on PC. PlayStation has only recently started to release its previously exclusive games on PC, and the list is not extensive.
The CMA’s Decision
The CMA will take into account various statements and evidence from both parties throughout March. The final decision is expected after April 26, and it remains to be seen which company will emerge as the winner.
Sony’s criticism of Microsoft’s decision to make Starfield an Xbox exclusive is just the latest development in an ongoing feud between the two companies. Sony’s fear of losing Call of Duty to Microsoft if it acquires Activision Blizzard is the driving force behind its opposition to the deal. The CMA will make the final decision, but it is unclear which company it will favor.
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