Microsoft and Sony Sign “Binding” 10-Year Agreement to Keep Call of Duty on PlayStation

gamingbolt.com:

Microsoft continues to edge closer to closing its proposed $69 billion acquitision of Activision Blizzard, and has taken another step forward in that process. After having signed agreements with multiple companies over recent months that will see Activision Blizzard titles releasing for their platforms even after the acquisition has been completed, the compay has now also finally signed a similar agreement with Sony.

The announcement was made by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer on Twitter, who confirmed that Microsoft and Sony have signed a “binding” agreement that will see Call of Duty games continuing to release for PlayStation consoles following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

“We look forward to a future where players globally have more choice to play their favourite games,” Spencer wrote.

Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote in a separate message, “From Day One of this acquisition, we’ve been committed to addressing the concerns of regulators, platform and game developers, and consumers. Even after we cross the finish line for this deal’s approval, we will remain focused on ensuring that Call of Duty remains available on more platforms and for more consumers than ever before.”

Xbox’s head of global communications Kari Perez has also confirmed to The Verge that the deal will span a 10-year period. It’s also been confirmed that the deal will only cover Call of Duty, and no other Activision Blizzard titles.

Microsoft originally offered a 10-year agreement to Sony late last year, after signing similar agreements with the likes of Nvidia, Nintendo, and more, however, the deal was turned down by Sony. Prior to that, a much shorter deal covering a three-year period had also already been turned down. Earlier this