Xbox Really Wasn't Happy with PlayStation's Call of Duty Marketing Deal | Push Square
Microsoft has spent $69 billion on Activision Blizzard, so now it calls the shots when it comes to juggernaut franchise, Call of Duty. Of course, previously, starting with Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 in 2015, Sony had marketing dibs on the series, which meant it could advertise annual entries in the FPS outing specifically for PS4 and latterly PS5. It also would enjoy some small benefits, like early access to betas, exclusive cosmetics, and, in some instances, even extra modes.
These platform exclusive advantages actually started long before PlayStation’s partnership with the property, as back in the PS3 era, fans of Sony’s format would be forced to wait upwards of a month to play map packs.
Nevertheless, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has suggested Sony’s shenanigans were “slimy” – and it’s not something he’s willing to repeat now he owns the series. “I want to give you the choice on how you play your games, and who you play with, and not try to do slimy platform things to force you to do what I want you to do,” he told IGN.
The executive made similarly barbed remarks during the opening moments of yesterday’s Xbox Showcase. Introducing the show, he said: “It’s been 10 years since Call of Duty has been in our show. It’s been even longer since all Call of Duty players got the same game at the same time. Going forward, everyone will experience the game, including the Black Ops 6 beta, the season expansions and the updates, at launch.”
As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.
Understandable, it was quite the slimy strategy to be in a divided gaming community because
of the exclusivity content.
At that time Activision's Kotick never cared because he already had his hefty retirement secured
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