Microsoft and Sony's argumentative statements to Brazilian regulators continue. Just last week, Sony protested that Call of Duty was an essential video game that could affect what kind of console a gamer will purchase. On the other hand, Microsoft downplayed the Call of Duty franchise and its significance. Now, Microsoft and Sony are at it again. Only this time, it's Microsoft who is on the accusatory end of things.
In a report by The Verge, Microsoft claims that Sony is paying developers just so that they won't put their games on the Xbox Game Pass.
In an August 9 filing, Microsoft accused Sony, saying:
Microsoft's ability to continue expanding Game Pass has been hampered by Sony's desire to inhibit such growth. Sony pays for 'blocking rights' to prevent developers from adding content to Game Pass and other competing subscription services.
We understand where Microsoft is coming from. Xbox Game Pass has cost the tech giant a lot of money already. At the same time, Microsoft can't just throw statements like this. The truth is, Sony has the leverage because PlayStation has consistently outsold the Xbox over the past two decades.
The PS4 is the best-selling console of the past generation. The PS5 isn't selling as well as it should but the situation is improving. Also, despite the stock shortage, the PS5 still has sold more units in total compared to the Xbox Series S/X. Finally, the economics of companies making concessions for the more popular platform makes sense; Sony pays them to do it and their projects get more exposure as well.
TLDR; Sony has the bigger and more profitable platform when it comes to video games.
@xfire.com Microsoft claims that Sony is intentionally blocking games from Game Pass#Microsoft #Sony #XboxGamepass
Besides, it's not like Microsoft is without fault. The company has several projects in the works that are no longer coming to the PlayStation. The best example is The Elder Scrolls VI. Starfield is also a good one. Bethesda even apologized that the upcoming sci-fi action RPG is exclusive to the Xbox Series S/X. Finally, we're pretty sure games like the next Fallout and maybe even a future Call of Duty installment will all be available only to Xbox consoles.
At the end of the day, this all feels like two companies throwing words at each other to see what sticks. We can't wait for Microsoft's acquisition of Activision to close. This way, we can find out when the first Xbox-exclusive Call of Duty game will arrive.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to at least one State of Play from Sony this month or in September. Meanwhile, Microsoft will be at Gamescom 2022 along with Ubisoft and Unknown Worlds Entertainment.
