Yesterday, on July 16, gaming giants Microsoft and Sony made a significant announcement that sent shockwaves through the gaming community. The two companies revealed a momentous binding agreement, ensuring that Call of Duty will remain exclusive to PlayStation consoles until 2033.
However, a closer look at the details revealed that the deal solely encompasses Call of Duty, leaving other cherished Activision-published franchises, such as Overwatch and Tony Hawk, up in the air.
This revelation has sparked widespread speculation that future games from Activision, including beloved titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, Tony Hawk, and even new installments of Overwatch, might become exclusive to Xbox following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The ten-year deal with PlayStation appears to have excluded these cherished franchises, leaving fans perplexed and concerned about their gaming future.
Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Tony Hawk have long been associated with PlayStation, making their potential departure from the platform a bitter pill for fans to swallow. With a rich history dating back decades, it is natural for enthusiasts worldwide to express their confusion and disappointment at the thought of these beloved series bidding farewell to PlayStation, seemingly forever.
Concerns of an Xbox Monopoly
bro no more Tony Hawk or Crash Bandicoot on playstation!? im struggling to make sense of it. wild times. https://t.co/w5ZWMB5Bh8
— Gene Park (@GenePark) July 16, 2023
Very weird turn for Crash and Spyro, given how central they were to the PlayStation brand https://t.co/t9qkPhGB55
— Justin Carter (@GigawattConduit) July 16, 2023
The possibility of an Xbox monopoly in the gaming industry is also causing consternation among players. The fact that Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Tony Hawk may fall under the control of a company that already owns a multitude of major gaming franchises, not to mention the influential titles from Bethesda, such as Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6, has raised eyebrows and fueled concerns of limited competition.
Even World of Warcraft players find themselves caught up in the commotion, expressing worry that the popular MMO’s potential console release might be confined to Xbox platforms. While Blizzard or Activision have not officially confirmed any plans for a console version of World of Warcraft, speculation alone has caused some players to become anxious.
A Fragile Partnership
the quote tweets to this are basically fanboys cheering on an impending monopoly — no wonder gaming is screwed https://t.co/AZchqYVxrM
— 0xSkeptic | Cringe Connoisseur (@RishiAlwani) July 16, 2023
Nevertheless, the signing of this new deal between Microsoft and Sony indicates that the two companies have found some common ground following the Federal Trade Commission’s failed attempt to block the merger.
With the FTC’s setback, Microsoft is now legally permitted to acquire Activision Blizzard in the United States. However, regulatory hurdles in the UK still pose a significant obstacle to the global approval of the deal.
In conclusion, the gaming community finds itself in a state of uncertainty as the prospect of Xbox exclusivity for cherished franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Tony Hawk looms large. PlayStation fans, who have long cherished these titles, are now grappling with the possibility of their departure.
Additionally, concerns regarding an Xbox monopoly and the fate of World of Warcraft’s console release only add to the unease. With Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard inching closer, the gaming landscape appears poised for significant changes, leaving players and enthusiasts eagerly watching for further developments.
