Microsoft & Nintendo Signs 10 Years Deal: More than a year ago, Microsoft declared its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, which was met with opposition from competitors and regulators across the world. However, to address concerns about competition in the gaming market, Microsoft has proposed a deal that could help.
Microsoft’s President, Brad Smith, revealed that his company has inked a ten-year agreement with Nintendo, ensuring that Xbox and Activision titles will be accessible to players using Nintendo hardware. The deal will cover not only Call of Duty, but other games as well.
This announcement is significant because Microsoft representatives, including Smith and Xbox head Phil Spencer, met with EU regulators today to discuss the planned acquisition. Activision’s CEO, Bobby Kotick, and Sony’s gaming chief, Jim Ryan, were also present. Representatives from EA, Steam, Nvidia, Google, as well as national watchdogs concerned about the implications of a Microsoft-owned Activision Blizzard, also attended the meeting.
By having Nintendo on board, Microsoft is exerting pressure on Sony to accept a similar deal. Ryan previously referred to a 3-year proposal as “inadequate on many levels.” It is worth noting that Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War was the second most-played game on PlayStation (behind Fortnite) when the acquisition was announced a year ago.
We’ve now signed a binding 10-year contract to bring Xbox games to Nintendo’s gamers. This is just part of our commitment to bring Xbox games and Activision titles like Call of Duty to more players on more platforms. pic.twitter.com/JmO0hzw1BO
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) February 21, 2023
The Microsoft/Nintendo agreement ensures that new Call of Duty games will be available on Nintendo hardware on the same day as on Xbox and PlayStation, with full feature and content parity.
