Microsoft announces “binding agreement” to have Call of Duty remain on PlayStation

Call of Duty is set to remain on PlayStation for the foreseeable future.

July 16, 2023

After Call of Duty became such a sticking point during the Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, and FTC court case, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer took to Twitter today to announce a “binding agreement” to keep the franchise on rival Sony’s PlayStation platforms. “We look forward to a future where players globally have more choice to play their favorite games,” he wrote.

He doesn’t offer up much more than that, meaning we don’t know for how long Call of Duty will remain on PlayStation or if it encompasses all Call of Duty content. For example, does the signed agreement extend to all DLC or will Xbox platforms receive exclusive DLC for future releases? Microsoft originally pledged to keep COD on PlayStation for at least ten years, and its unknown at this time if that’s the deal the two companies eventually struck.

Microsoft recently won its case against the FTC, paving the way for its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard to finalize this month. It’s the latest gaming purchase by Microsoft after its 2020 acquisition of ZeniMax Media (Bethesda). Who knows what’s in store next for the company that’s trying to stake a larger claim in the video games market.

We do know what’s next for Call of Duty, however. In case you were wondering if COD had jumped the shark yet, Starlight, Homelander, and Black Noir of The Boys fame joined Warzone 2 this week.

We are pleased to announce that Microsoft and @PlayStation have signed a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. We look forward to a future where players globally have more choice to play their favorite games.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) July 16, 2023