Sony’s Exclusivity Deal with Call of Duty Impacts Subscription Services: A Closer Look at the Microsoft-FTC Judgment

Microsoft and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are currently engaged in a legal battle, and the latest information released during the second day of the judgment has raised concerns about the intentions of the American market regulator. One of the key points discussed is the exclusivity deal between Call of Duty and PlayStation, which will prevent the game from being available on all existing subscription services.

According to Phil Spencer, even if the merger between Microsoft and the FTC is successful, Call of Duty games will not be included in subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass or GeForce Now. This is a negative development for consumers as it restricts the free distribution of products. However, these exclusivity agreements are considered valid business models.

The fact that Call of Duty takes a long time to reach Xbox Game Pass has been a topic of discussion for several months. It is interesting to note that Sony, which is being defended by the FTC, already has similar exclusivity agreements in place. This raises questions about the FTC’s accusations against Xbox for seeking to create exclusive content with Call of Duty and the alleged danger it poses to consumers.

While exclusivity deals are not inherently bad, they become a negative factor when used as an argument against mergers. Phil Spencer expressed disappointment in Sony’s attempt to block the purchase with weak arguments.

Another issue arising from the exclusivity contract between PlayStation and Call of Duty is that services like GeForce Now are also affected. These games will not be available on GeForce Now until January 2025. This raises questions about the FTC’s motives in pursuing antitrust justice and whether it benefits Sony and PlayStation.

It is believed that the exclusivity deal with PlayStation is only valid for the initial release of the Call of Duty saga. However, there is an agreement with Sony that prevents the game from being included in Xbox Game Pass until 2024. It is surprising that the FTC is defending this situation in court.

The ongoing legal battle between Microsoft and the FTC raises concerns about the impact on consumers and the gaming industry as a whole. The outcome of this judgment will have significant implications for the future of exclusive content and subscription services.

Source: [Twitter](https://twitter.com/FOSSpatents/status/1672372073484939264)

What are the implications of the ongoing legal battle between Microsoft and the FTC on the future of exclusive content and subscription services in the gaming industry

Microsoft and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) find themselves locked in a legal clash, and the latest revelations from the second day of the trial have left many questioning the motives of the American market regulator. The focus of the discussion has been the exclusivity agreement between Call of Duty and PlayStation, which bars the game from being available on existing subscription services.

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, made it clear that even if Microsoft’s merger with the FTC were to succeed, Call of Duty games would not be included in subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or GeForce Now. This news is undoubtedly disappointing for consumers, as it limits their access to free products. However, such exclusivity deals are not unheard of in the business world.

The delayed arrival of Call of Duty on Xbox Game Pass has been a source of discussion for months. Interestingly, while Sony, who is being defended by the FTC, has similar exclusivity agreements in place, the regulator has raised concerns about Xbox’s attempt to create exclusivity with Call of Duty and its alleged harm to consumers.

Exclusivity deals are not inherently negative, but they do become problematic when used as an argument against mergers. Phil Spencer expressed his disappointment in Sony’s efforts to block the acquisition with flimsy arguments.

Another consequence of the exclusivity contract between PlayStation and Call of Duty is its impact on services like GeForce Now. These games will not be available on GeForce Now until January 2025. This raises questions about the FTC’s true motivations behind pursuing antitrust justice and whether it ultimately benefits Sony and PlayStation.

It has been suggested that the exclusivity deal with PlayStation only applies to the initial release of the Call of Duty franchise. However, there is an agreement with Sony that prevents the game from being included in Xbox Game Pass until 2024. It is surprising that the FTC is defending this situation in court.

The ongoing legal battle between Microsoft and the FTC has significant implications for consumers and the gaming industry as a whole. The outcome of this judgment will determine the future of exclusive content and subscription services, making it a case that everyone is closely watching.