Microsoft Activision deal: Will Sony cut off PS6 info from rival for good?

In a recent development in the Microsoft Activision deal, Sony’s CEO, Jim Ryan, stated in a deposition held in April that if Redmond’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard goes through, Sony will withhold any PlayStation 6 (PS6) information from Activision developers. Ryan justified this decision by citing the conflict of interest arising from Activision being owned by a direct competitor. 

Sony’s Jim Ryan said in a deposition back in April that if Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision happens, Sony won’t share any PS6 information with Activision developers, saying they will not be able to share relevant future console info to a developer owned by a competitor pic.twitter.com/Py0Ag554pc

— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) June 22, 2023

In a leaked confidential conversation script shared by @CharlieIntel, when asked why could Sony no longer share details about the next-gen console after the acquisition happened, the boss says, as quoted, “We simply could not run the risk of a company that was owned by a direct competitor having access to that information.”

The question is, does that mean future Call of Duty games will be cut from PlayStation next-gen consoles?

The potential acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has garnered significant attention within the gaming community in the past few months. However, Ryan’s comments shed light on the potential impact it could have on future collaborations and partnerships. By withholding crucial console information, Sony aims to maintain a competitive edge in the market and protect its own interests.

Both companies have been striving to attract and retain gamers through exclusive content and features. If the acquisition proceeds, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the relationship between Sony and Activision developers, as well as the gaming landscape as a whole.

Microsoft attempted to acquire Activision Blizzard in a figure worth $68.7 billion, but it was met with punches from its rival Sony. The tech maker of PlayStation consoles, despite having dominated the market share of gaming consoles in the past few years, doesn’t want the acquisition to happen. 

Although US and EU regulators have also given their green light for the deal, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has strongly opposed the deal.