Sony Interactive Entertainment, while arguing against the Microsoft-Activision merger with the UK regulator, said it was looking to negotiate a PlayStation Plus service on Xbox, but Microsoft wouldn’t allow it.
Image source: Microsoft
Previously, Microsoft also proposed moving Xbox Game Pass to the Sony platform so PlayStation gamers could still access any content that would theoretically be exclusive to the service, thereby sidestepping one of the antitrust regulators’ arguments against the merger between Microsoft and Sony. Activision Blizzard.
“Thirdly, Microsoft says the demand for game subscription services will not be in favor of Game Pass as Microsoft will make Game Pass available for PlayStation as well. But the wider availability of the leading provider (Game Pass), now featuring irreplaceable exclusive content and protected from direct and indirect network effects, will make it harder, not easier, to compete with competing multi-game subscription services. Microsoft’s position that making Game Pass available on PlayStation would be a panacea for the harms of this settlement seems particularly unconvincing given that Microsoft does not allow PlayStation Plus to be made available on Xbox.”— He says in a statement.
Image source: Microsoft
At the same time Microsoft he has declaredthat there’s no reason to believe that the Call of Duty acquisition would sway users towards an Xbox membership. He also mentioned that Sony Interactive Entertainment has blocked Xbox Game Pass on PlayStation, which is why there is no service on the platform.
Image source: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Neither company has an incentive to offer a competing service on their platforms. This is especially true for Sony, as Game Pass on PlayStation threatens their PlayStation Plus service. For the same reason, the Game Pass service will not be available on Nintendo Switch.
If you notice an error, select it with the mouse and press CTRL + ENTER.
