Phil Spencer made significant remarks in the most recent episode of the official Xbox podcast, addressing important topics following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, including when its latest purchase’s games are coming to the Game Pass and whether or not it’s open to revisiting older franchises. But, that’s not all. The Xbox head also detailed Microsoft’s vision for the future of Call of Duty.
The heart of his message was clear: he wants to ensure a level playing field for all players, regardless of chosen gaming platform. Historically, Call of Duty has seen some level of platform-specific content, largely due to a marketing deal that was signed between Sony and Activision Blizzard. This arrangement guaranteed PS4 and PS5 players unique content as well as some form of timed exclusivity. However, Microsoft will soon phase out this approach, with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, which comes out on November 10, being the last under this contract.
Spencer emphasized the importance of community and the negative impact of platform exclusivity. Citing the beta tests for Modern Warfare 3, which were initially exclusive to PlayStation, he highlighted such approaches as not beneficial for the game or its community. Such moves create divisions and can alienate significant portions of the player base.
The primary goal, as iterated by Spencer multiple times during the podcast, is simple: “100% parity across all platforms as much as [Microsoft] can for launch and content”. This means that whether you play on PC, PlayStation, or eventually Nintendo, you should not feel deprived or missing out on any content. There shouldn’t be any content, skins, or timing discrepancies between the platforms.
But what does this “parity” mean in real terms? Spencer clarified that while there may be inherent differences in frame rate and resolution due to the technical capacities of different consoles, there would be no deliberate withholding of content. Microsoft’s vision isn’t about using Call of Duty as a bait to lure gamers into buying an Xbox console. Instead, it’s about ensuring that all players, irrespective of their platform, feel completely integrated into the Call of Duty community.
This approach is consistent with Microsoft’s stance during the acquisition process. To prove its intention, Microsoft has signed agreements with both Nintendo and Sony, ensuring the availability of Call of Duty on their platforms for, at the very least, the next decade. Interestingly, while Sony initially resisted the idea, hoping to stymie the acquisition, it later had to relent.
It’s easy to perceive Spencer’s comments as a dig at previous exclusivity deals, especially those benefiting PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 players. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 beta’s timed exclusivity for PlayStation owners, which was plagued with cheaters, was explicitly mentioned, reinforcing that such practices won’t continue under Microsoft’s stewardship.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was not just about Call of Duty. This $68.7 billion deal brought several first-party studios and intellectual properties under Microsoft’s expansive gaming umbrella. While Call of Duty was the main topic of the conversations, Spencer wanted everyone to know that it hasn’t forgotten about the company’s older franchises. Still, Microsoft has yet to clarify the fates of other franchises, a fact that has even left Bethesda confused in the past.
At the end of the day, Microsoft has at least set things straight as far as Call of Duty goes. Spencer’s commitment to the community and his vision of unity among players across different platforms comes as a refreshing change in an industry where exclusivity has often been the norm. Only time will tell how these promises play out in reality, but for now, it appears that Call of Duty fans have much to look forward to.
