feature-image
feature-image

The FTC vs. Microsoft case has been opening a lot of inside information from the gaming giants. This case began when Microsoft Xbox sought to acquire Activision Blizzard. However, the temporary restraining order on this deal from FTC is turning out to be Microsoft’s nightmare. Now the ongoing case has dragged rival company PlayStation into the mix.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

While FTC has been accusing Microsoft to gain market control through this merger, PlayStation’s CEO has opposing views. PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan, in an email that came into the public eye through the case, believes Xbox is not playing to create exclusives.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

ADVERTISEMENT

PlayStation CEO thinks Activision titles will still be available on their platform

During the proceedings of the trial, there was a shocking revelation from PlayStation’s side. An unsealed email from PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan and Chris Deering, former CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, was presented by Microsoft’s counsel. In this email, Ryan had said, “It is not an exclusivity play at all. They’re thinking bigger than that and they have the cash to make moves like this.”

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

ADVERTISEMENT

He shared how he spent time with Xbox CEO Phil Spencer and Activision Blizzard CEO after the announcement of the deal last year. Ryan notably said, “I’m pretty sure we will continue to see Call of Duty on PlayStation for many years to come.” This points out that Activision and Xbox both have no intention to make their past titles exclusive to Xbox consoles.

Read More: Amidst Activision Acquisition Deal, Microsoft Raises White Flag on Xbox’s Stance in “Console Wars”

ADVERTISEMENT

This completely counters the PlayStation CEO’s past fears that the fruition of Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal will lead to COD being removed from their platform. Xbox creators had initially offered a deal on COD to PlayStation. After the current Activision-Sony agreement ended, Microsoft offered Sony a 3-year, and then a 10-year deal. Sony, however, refused to sign both of them.

article-image

ADVERTISEMENT

But this email showing PlayStation CEO’s comments on having Activision titles for their platform has created chaos in the case. Furthermore, Ryan has also stated Activision will not be part of their future consoles. Currently, the proceeding on the case is going on and nothing could be stated for certain. However, this email seems to have weakened a few of FTC’s arguments.

ADVERTISEMENT

What are your thoughts on PlayStation CEO showing optimism about Activision games staying on their platform post-merger? Let us know in the comments section below.

Watch this Story | Sony’s stellar strategy: Jim Ryan’s mission to make PlayStation 5 the king of consoles

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Ajitesh Rawat

1,222 Articles

Ajitesh Rawat is a WNBA and College Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, where he leads the outlet’s Strategy Desk. With a research-driven approach and a reader-first mindset shaped during his stint as a Content Analyst, he covers the mechanics of the game with depth and precision. From injury reports and roster depth charts to player trades and transfer portal moves, Ajitesh brings clarity to the decisions that shape outcomes. Known for highlighting under-covered talent across the women’s game, his reporting has also earned him a spot in ES’ Journalistic Excellence Program. Beyond basketball, Ajitesh’s versatility has seen him spearhead LPGA and LIV Golf coverage while contributing to esports and FPS gaming guides, a reflection of his background as both a game developer and digital strategist. That unique blend of technical expertise and editorial instinct allows him to navigate fast-moving sports landscapes while connecting fans to the tactical and cultural undercurrents driving the games they love.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Harshita

ADVERTISEMENT