For months, the takeover of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has been occupying the gaming industry. Competition authorities around the world are dealing with the case. Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, has now used Hogwarts Legacy as an example to criticize the PS5.
What does Phil Spencer say? Just before some regulatory authorities are about to present a report regarding Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard, the head of Xbox has commented on the process. He speaks again about exclusive content that Xbox and PS5 have been arguing over since the announcement of the takeover offer.
As an example, he cites Hogwarts Legacy and a mission that is only available on PlayStation. The RPG set in the Harry Potter universe is a huge success, even temporarily taking the top 4 spots in the Steam charts.
He criticized that players on different platforms have different gaming experiences, even though they would be playing the same game. Spencer promises that the same version of Call of Duty will appear on all platforms. He aims to counter an argument from Sony, who fears the exact opposite.
If we say a game will be available on all platforms, we mean it. Let’s take Hogwarts Legacy as an example. A great game that was recently released. There is a quest that is exclusively playable on PlayStation. This mission is not available on Xbox.
I know that this is part of the gaming industry. But we have no interest in treating Call of Duty content in that way. The same game should be playable in the same quality on all platforms. We do the same with Minecraft, for example.
Interview with Phil Spencer, via YouTube
Even with Hogwarts Legacy, there are exclusive contents for PlayStation. Phil Spencer promises a different approach. Here you can watch the trailer for the Harry Potter game:
Xbox turns against exclusive content to score points with authorities
Everyone should be able to play the same version: Spencer promises that Xbox will handle future releases like it does with Minecraft. The classic plays the same on all platforms, regardless of whether you’re on PC, in front of the PS5, Xbox, or Switch.
All players should have a great experience, no matter which platform they play games on. However, he also notes that his considerations only concern the base version of games. Cosmetic content is a different matter.
It remains to be seen whether these statements can also convince Sony. PS5 players currently enjoy plenty of exclusive advantages with CoD, such as early access to the beta and various unique cosmetic items.
What is the dispute between Sony and Microsoft about? Microsoft is working on the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The company behind blockbusters like World of Warcraft or Call of Duty has had a few difficult years. Activision Blizzard has faced several scandals, including criticism for sexism and the treatment of labor rights.
In January 2022, the management of Activision Blizzard decided to look for a buyer for the company. Microsoft is willing to pay 69 billion US dollars for the gaming company.
Sony is against the acquisition. They fear that Call of Duty could become exclusive to Xbox in the future. The shooter franchise is extremely important for console sales, argue the Japanese. If CoD were to be released only for Xbox in the future, Sony would face significant financial losses.
Xbox head says what Call of Duty fans want to hear after the Activision deal
