In the event that Microsoft’s pending acquisition of Activision Blizzard actually succeeds, PlayStation fans will probably want to check up on Jim Ryan straight away, as the guy might have a heart attack if he were to see such news. According to the latest tweets from Lulu Cheng Meservey (EVP Corporate Affairs and CCO, Activision Blizzard), who has been providing updates regarding some of the concessions that Microsoft has been trying to make to satisfy regulators and competitors, Ryan is more upset at the deal than many might have imagined, having reportedly said that he won’t take a Call of Duty deal because he just wants to see the merger dead. That’s despite Microsoft trying to play nice, having offered Sony a 10-year agreement and long-term access to Call of Duty, one of the world’s premiere shooter franchises.
From a Lulu Cheng Meservey tweet:
Microsoft offered Sony (the dominant console leader for well over a decade, with 80% market share) a 10 year agreement on far better terms than Sony would ever get from us.
We’ve also offered Sony guaranteed long-term access to Call of Duty. But they keep refusing. Why?
The CEO of SIE answered that question in Brussels. In his words: “I don’t want a new Call of Duty deal. I just want to block your merger.”
The CEO of SIE answered that question in Brussels.
— Lulu Cheng Meservey (@lulumeservey) March 8, 2023
In his words:
"I don’t want a new Call of Duty deal. I just want to block your merger.”