Sony's Bold Counterproposal Rejected by Microsoft Amidst Ongoing Activision-Blizzard Acquisition Drama

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Sony's fierce opposition to Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision-Blizzard has been no secret since the announcement last year. The gaming giant has been lobbying extensively against the deal's approval. In an attempt to assuage Sony, Microsoft offered a guarantee of Call of Duty's availability on Sony's PlayStation platform.

Recent developments have shed light on a twist in the tale. According to a Twitter post, Sony's CEO, Jim Ryan, purportedly made a counteroffer to Xbox Boss, Phil Spencer, as a condition to green-light the deal. The counterproposal laid out several demands, as follows:

  • Ensure that all existing and future Activision Blizzard games are still available on PlayStation & have parity with Xbox.
  • Don't make PlayStation Activision Blizzard games more expensive than Xbox.
    Treat all Activision Blizzard games equally on subscription services of Xbox and Playstation.
  • Upon completion of the acquisition of Activision, discard all contracts for financial and marketing support that Sony is due to pay Activision in the future.
  • Agree to start discussions to treat Bethesda games equally on both PlayStation and Xbox.

However, Phil Spencer categorically rejected the proposal, deeming it unacceptable. Allegedly, he responded:

It is hard to align the principles set out in your email of May 26, 2022 with Sony's leading role in the market.

Here are the contents of the alleged email exchange between the two:

Sony's Offer

Microsoft's Response

ThoughtsUnboxed understands that Sony may have legitimate concerns regarding the proposed acquisition. However, if the alleged counterproposal is true, it appears more like a one-sided demand for concessions, akin to a gangster seeking ransom in exchange for protection. The terms laid out by Sony raise questions about fairness and equity in the gaming industry.

Given the gravity of the situation, we calls upon the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a thorough investigation into Sony's actions and its potential abuse of its market position. While it's essential to address any genuine concerns, the counterproposal raises doubts about Sony's intentions and whether it is genuinely seeking a fair resolution or attempting to gain undue advantages in the market.



Sources:

Twitter - Xbox News for Koreans - Jim's Counter Proposal

Twitter - Xbox News for Koreans - Microsoft's Response


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