Breaking News: Microsoft Signs 10-Year Deal with Sony to Keep 'Call of Duty' on PlayStation!

Greetings, fellow gamers! We have some exciting news for you today. In a groundbreaking move, Microsoft has inked a binding agreement with Sony to ensure that the beloved 'Call of Duty' franchise will continue to thrive on the Sony PlayStation platform. This decision comes as Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard raised concerns about exclusivity, prompting the need for regulatory approval.

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision has been put on hold due to the ongoing hearing of the deal in a San Francisco court. (REUTERS)

The agreement serves as a response to regulators' worries that the merger would limit access to Activision games, including the massively popular 'Call of Duty,' solely to Xbox consoles. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voiced its concerns, citing potential negative consequences for both console players and subscribers. However, Microsoft has taken decisive action to address these concerns.

Microsoft gaming chief, Phil Spencer, took to Twitter to announce the momentous deal, stating, "We are pleased to announce that Microsoft and PlayStation have signed a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard."

This agreement marks a significant milestone for the gaming industry, as it solidifies a long-term partnership between two of the biggest players in the console market. According to a Microsoft spokesperson, the deal spans an impressive duration of 10 years. Notably, Microsoft had previously secured a similar 10-year arrangement with Nintendo Co. Ltd. for Call of Duty's availability on their platform.

It's worth mentioning that Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard stands as one of the most substantial gaming deals ever witnessed. Bloomberg reports that the path to closing this historic agreement was cleared when an appeals court denied the Federal Trade Commission's bid to halt the acquisition. Earlier in the week, a federal judge ruled in favor of Microsoft, stating that the FTC had failed to provide compelling evidence to support their claims of antitrust violations. Responding to the FTC's appeal, Microsoft has made it clear that they will contest it.

While many obstacles have been overcome, one hurdle remains—the UK Competition and Markets Authority. This authority has granted Microsoft an extraordinary second chance to propose a solution after vetoing the merger in April. Their concerns primarily revolve around the potential impact on the cloud gaming market, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with fair competition.

As the gaming community eagerly awaits the completion of this monumental acquisition, we can't help but marvel at the possibilities that lie ahead. The continued availability of 'Call of Duty' on the PlayStation platform ensures that fans across the globe can look forward to exciting and immersive gaming experiences for years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking deal, as well as other thrilling news from the world of gaming! Until next time, keep those controllers charged and game on!