Sony says it expects Microsoft to "ensure Activision games are multiplatform" Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Sony says it expects Microsoft to "ensure Activision games are multiplatform" PlayStation reacts to publisher's buyout. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 20 Jan 2022 205 comments Sony has responded to this week's industry-shaking news that Microsoft is buying Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard, and said it expects Microsoft to "ensure Activision games are multiplatform". The brief statement, issued to the Wall St Journal, is Sony's first comment on the deal. "We expect that Microsoft will abide by contractual agreements and continue to ensure Activision games are multiplatform," a Sony spokesperson said. Watch on YouTube Eurogamer Newscast Special: Xbox buying Activision Blizzard. PlayStation has long held a close relationship with Activision, and has had the marketing rights to Call of Duty for years. It currently pays for various timed bonuses, boosts and other bits of exclusive content, while PlayStation branding appears in Call of Duty advertising. For Microsoft's part, Xbox boss Phil Spencer previously said it would not be his "intent to pull communities away" from other platforms. As for Activision Blizzard, an employee Q&A on the deal available publicly via the SEC website says the following: "We will honour all existing commitments post close. As with Microsoft's acquisition of Minecraft, we have no intent to remove any content from platforms where it exists today. We would be open to discussions to enter into an agreement to confirm our intent when it is appropriate to do so. "At this time, it remains business as usual, and we do not anticipate any changes to existing contracts or partnerships. Players are at the centre of everything we do at Activision Blizzard and Microsoft, and both teams will continue to provide great games and services to their players and partners." It seems unlikely that existing games such as the ongoing multi-platform Call of Duty: Warzone will be pulled from PlayStation when Microsoft's buyout of Activision Blizzard is closed in 2023. But what of future Call of Duty games, and other new releases? Will COD 2024 - whatever it is - still launch for PlayStation? What about new projects dreamed up by Microsoft for the various Activision Blizzard studios - a new Crash or Spyro game? Sony may expect Microsoft to keep Activision games multiplatform, but it seems fair to assume Microsoft will want some exclusives from its nearly $70bn purchase. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store