PlayStation Boss Flew In To Try And Stop Activision Blizzard Deal
Microsoft's impending deal with Activision Blizzard has certainly been a big "deal" in the gaming industry, and it's going to treat consumers on Xbox's side of the console war very nicely. But PlayStation has kind of been throwing its toys out of the pram.
Lashing out at Xbox at every mention of the record-breaking deal - and complaining about any idea that the gaming giant could void "protecting gamers" - Sony has also used every opportunity to keep its own latched to the PlayStation before the deal is finalised. Now, it seems as though the well of Sony's stress is deeper than we imagined.
PlayStation Boss Jim Ryan Flew To Brussels To Stop Xbox
According to sources speaking to Dealreporter, it seems that PlayStation boss Jim Ryan is even more passionate about his concerns for the Xbox deal with Activision Blizzard deal than he let on. And he's let on a lot.
These sources claim that the Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO went to the EU headquarters in Brussels himself in September. Ryan apparently voiced his concerns about Xbox's prospective deal with Activision Blizzard, specifically citing its ownership of Call of Duty as a reason that the deal shouldn't be going ahead.
The same sources indicate that Google has also voiced its disdain for the deal to EU regulators, which is a surprise entry into this battle - especially considering that Google's gaming offerings have just tanked with the shutting down of Stadia.
Despite Xbox's pledge to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation consoles for years to come, Ryan still isn't happy with the way that the deal will turn out. It probably explains why PlayStation is going so hard on its marketing deals with Modern Warfare II. But, of course, it doesn't stop here.
PlayStation Welcomed The Activision Blizzard Probe
Click to enlargeThis flight isn't the end of PlayStation's fight against the Xbox deal, as Microsoft's gaming rival welcomed the huge probe that took place assessing the deal back at the end of September.
"We want to guarantee PlayStation gamers continue to have the highest quality gaming experience, and we appreciate the CMA's focus on protecting gamers," read the response.
The deal is likely to keep going ahead, and right now, it looks as though PlayStation's hatred for it is only going to dampen itself. Sorry, Sony - you played the stupid game of capitalism, and now you're getting the stupid capitalist prizes.
