Sony and Microsoft have been fierce competitors in the video game industry for decades. Both companies have consistently released innovative and popular consoles, with exclusive titles and features that entice gamers to choose their platform over the other. One of the most popular video game franchises in the world is Call of Duty, which has been released on both the PlayStation and Xbox consoles for many years. However, Sony is reportedly concerned that Microsoft may attempt to sabotage the PlayStation version of the game in the future.
The origins of this concern can be traced back to a recent acquisition made by Microsoft. In September 2020, Microsoft acquired Bethesda Softworks, a video game publisher responsible for many popular titles such as the Elder Scrolls series and Fallout. This acquisition was seen as a major win for Microsoft, as it would bring these exclusive titles to the Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that allows users to access a library of games for a monthly fee.
However, it also raised concerns for Sony, as Bethesda was one of the companies responsible for developing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered, which was released on PlayStation 4 in March 2020. Some industry insiders speculate that Microsoft may use its newfound ownership of Bethesda to prevent future Call of Duty games from being released on the PlayStation, or to delay their release on the platform. This would give the Xbox an exclusive advantage in terms of one of the most popular video game franchises in the world, which would be a significant blow to Sony’s business.
It’s important to note that these concerns are purely speculative at this point, and there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that Microsoft would actually take such actions. However, it’s not hard to imagine why Sony might be worried. The video game industry is incredibly competitive, and companies are always looking for ways to gain an edge over their rivals. Exclusive titles and features are a common way to do this, and Call of Duty is one of the most popular and lucrative franchises in the industry.
Furthermore, Microsoft has a history of making strategic moves to gain an advantage over Sony. In the early days of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Microsoft secured exclusive rights to several major franchises, including Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty. This gave the Xbox an advantage in terms of sales and popularity, as gamers who wanted to play those titles had to purchase an Xbox console. Sony eventually caught up, but it’s clear that Microsoft is always looking for ways to stay ahead.
So what could Sony do to protect itself from a potential sabotage by Microsoft? One option would be to try to secure exclusive rights to Call of Duty themselves. This would prevent Microsoft from having the ability to block or delay releases on the PlayStation. However, it’s unlikely that Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty, would be willing to give up such a lucrative franchise to a single console.
Another option would be for Sony to continue to build its own exclusive titles and features that would make the PlayStation a more attractive option for gamers. Sony has been very successful in this area in the past, with titles such as Uncharted, The Last of Us, and God of War all being huge hits on the PlayStation. By continuing to invest in these types of titles, Sony can ensure that gamers will continue to choose the PlayStation over the Xbox, regardless of what happens with Call of Duty.
In conclusion, Sony’s concerns about potential sabotage by Microsoft are certainly understandable. The video game industry is incredibly competitive, and companies are always looking for ways to gain an advantage over their rivals. However, it’s important to remember that these concerns are currently speculative, and there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that Microsoft would actually take such actions. Regardless, Sony can take steps to protect itself by continuing to invest in exclusive titles and features that make the PlayStation an attractive option for gamers.